Enviri (NVRI) 10-K 27 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 28, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'HARSCO CORP	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000045876	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	80,678,997	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$1,870,628,000

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$93,605	$95,250
Trade accounts receivable, net	353,181	600,264
Other receivables	46,470	39,836
Inventories	155,689	236,512
Assets held-for-sale	113,968	2,399
Other current assets	75,842	92,182
Total current assets	838,755	1,066,443
Investments	298,856	3,201
Property, plant and equipment, net	711,346	1,266,225
Goodwill	431,265	429,198
Intangible assets, net	53,261	77,726
Other assets	108,265	133,176
Total assets	2,441,748	2,975,969
Current liabilities:	'	'
Short-term borrowings	7,489	8,560
Current maturities of long-term debt	20,257	3,278
Accounts payable	181,410	221,479
Accrued compensation	53,113	94,398
Income taxes payable	7,199	10,109
Dividends payable	16,536	16,520
Insurance liabilities	10,523	19,434
Advances on contracts	24,053	47,696
Liabilities of assets held-for-sale	109,176	0
Due to unconsolidated affiliate	24,954	0
Due to related party	22,320	0
Other current liabilities	129,739	216,101
Total current liabilities	606,769	637,575
Long-term debt	783,158	957,428
Deferred income taxes	8,217	18,880
Insurance liabilities	41,879	63,248
Retirement plan liabilities	241,049	385,062
Due to unconsolidated affiliate	27,292	0
Due to related party	84,023	0
Other liabilities	42,526	52,152
Total liabilities	1,834,913	2,114,345
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'	'
HARSCO CORPORATION STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Preferred stock, Series A junior participating cumulative preferred stock	0	0
Common stock, par value $1.25 (issued 112,198,693 and 112,063,938 shares at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively)	140,248	140,080
Additional paid-in capital	159,025	152,645
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-370,615	-411,168
Retained earnings	1,381,321	1,675,490
Treasury stock, at cost (31,519,768 and 31,479,310 shares at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively)	-746,237	-745,205
Total Harsco Corporation stockholders' equity	563,742	811,842
Noncontrolling interests	43,093	49,782
Total equity	606,835	861,624
Total liabilities and equity	$2,441,748	$2,975,969

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$1.25	$1.25
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	112,198,693	112,063,938
Treasury Stock, Shares	31,519,768	31,479,310

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues from continuing operations:	'	'	'
Service revenues	$2,229,966	$2,340,996	$2,700,664
Product revenues	666,554	705,022	602,076
Total revenues	2,896,520	3,046,018	3,302,740
Costs and expenses from continuing operations:	'	'	'
Cost of services sold	1,766,730	1,861,732	2,162,948
Cost of products sold	467,485	487,784	407,680
Selling, general and administrative expenses	481,052	503,339	535,679
Research and development expenses	9,570	9,139	6,044
Goodwill impairment charge	0	265,038	0
Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs	291,372	0	0
Other expenses	15,110	93,776	102,740
Total costs and expenses	3,031,319	3,220,808	3,215,091
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations	-134,799	-174,790	87,649
Interest income	2,087	3,676	2,751
Interest expense	-49,654	-47,381	-48,735
Change in fair value to unit adjustment liability	-966	0	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income	-183,332	-218,495	41,665
Income tax expense	-34,912	-35,251	-49,848
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net	1,548	564	690
Loss from continuing operations	-216,696	-253,182	-7,493
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'
Loss on disposal of discontinued business	-2,398	-1,843	-3,306
Income tax benefit related to discontinued business	906	924	1,243
Loss from discontinued operations	-1,492	-919	-2,063
Net Loss	-218,188	-254,101	-9,556
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-9,753	-511	-1,954
Net loss attributable to Harsco Corporation	-227,941	-254,612	-11,510
Amounts attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:	'	'	'
Loss from continuing operations, net of tax	-226,449	-253,693	-9,447
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	-1,492	-919	-2,063
Net Loss attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	($227,941)	($254,612)	($11,510)
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	80,755	80,632	80,736
Basic loss per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:	'	'	'
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	($2.80)	($3.15)	($0.12)
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	($0.02)	($0.01)	($0.03)
Basic loss per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	($2.82)	($3.16)	($0.14)	[1]
Diluted weighted average shares of stock outstanding	80,755	80,632	80,736
Diluted loss per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:	'	'	'
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	($2.80)	($3.15)	($0.12)
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	($0.02)	($0.01)	($0.03)
Diluted loss per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	($2.82)	($3.16)	($0.14)
[1]	Does not total due to rounding.

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net loss	($218,188)	($254,101)	($9,556)
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes	-55,827	11,434	-60,575
Net gains (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $(1,410), $567 and $(2,126) in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively	1,047	-4,333	5,991
Reclassification adjustment for gain on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $25 in 2011	0	0	-58
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(11,095), $7,572 and $19,143 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively	95,604	-53,645	-123,827
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of deferred income taxes of $(18), $(3) and $7 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively	31	6	-11
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	40,855	-46,538	-178,480
Total comprehensive loss	-177,333	-300,639	-188,036
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-10,055	-950	-1,733
Comprehensive loss attributable to Harsco Corporation	($187,388)	($301,589)	($189,769)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net gains (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments, deferred income taxes	($1,410)	$567	($2,126)
Reclassification adjustment for (gain) loss on cash flow hedging instruments, deferred income taxes	0	0	25
Pension liability adjustments, deferred income taxes	-11,095	7,572	19,143
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, deferred income taxes	($18)	($3)	$7

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net loss	($218,188)	($254,101)	($9,556)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation	221,266	251,905	276,021
Amortization	15,775	20,212	34,420
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	-18,427	-10,708	20,826
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net	-1,548	-564	-690
Dividends from unconsolidated entities	37	308	226
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program non-cash adjustment	0	31,443	67,320
Goodwill impairment charge	0	265,038	0
Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment	271,296	0	0
Other, net	2,735	-27,098	-7,432
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions of businesses:	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	-34,504	22,016	-58,011
Inventories	18,510	2,365	7,976
Accounts payable	14,319	-37,649	-2,713
Accrued interest payable	-1,836	-319	-375
Accrued compensation	-9,860	517	12,554
Harsco Infrastructure Segment 2010 Restructuring Program accrual	-6,788	-5,211	-19,629
Harsco 2011/2012 Restructuring Program accrual	-17,705	-7,883	30,471
Other assets and liabilities	-46,827	-51,392	-52,632
Net cash provided by operating activities	188,255	198,879	298,776
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-246,147	-265,023	-313,101
Proceeds from Infrastructure transaction	303,039	0	0
Proceeds from sales of assets	18,984	49,779	42,653
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	2,849	740	1,938
Other investing activities, net	-10,342	-3,284	16,564
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities	62,685	-219,268	-255,822
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Short-term borrowings, net	-1,901	-43,464	21,637
Current maturities and long-term debt:	'	'	'
Additions	316,804	285,850	301,515
Reductions	-498,600	-184,372	-297,854
Cash dividends paid on common stock	-66,211	-66,068	-66,146
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-3,381	-2,605	-4,171
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	-166	0	0
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	4,825	8,097	8,851
Common stock issued-options	371	725	2,403
Common stock acquired for treasury	0	0	-5,788
Other financing activities, net	-405	-2,709	-1
Net cash used by financing activities	-248,664	-4,546	-39,554
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-3,921	-999	-6,454
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-1,645	-25,934	-3,054
Cash and cash equivalents	93,605	95,250	121,184
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	93,605	95,250	121,184
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired	'	'	'
Propery, plant and equipment	-2,437	0	-1,394
Other noncurrent assets and liabilites, net	($412)	($740)	($544)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock Issued	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Noncontrolling Interests
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balances at Dec. 31, 2010	$1,468,145	$139,514	($737,106)	$141,298	$2,073,920	($185,932)	$36,451
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net loss	-9,556	'	'	'	-11,510	'	1,954
Cash dividends declared:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common @ $0.82 per share, $0.82 per share, and $0.82 per share in 2011, 2012, and 2013, respectively	-66,176	'	'	'	-66,176	'	'
Noncontrolling interests	-4,171	'	'	'	'	'	-4,171
Translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $2,504, $(5,436) and $(5,924) in 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively	-60,575	'	'	'	'	-60,354	-221
Cash flow hedging instrument adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(2,101), $567 and $(1,410) in 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively	5,933	'	'	'	'	5,933	'
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	9,526	'	'	'	'	'	9,526
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $19,143, $7,572 and $(11,095) in 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively	-123,827	'	'	'	'	-123,827	'
Marketable securities unrealized gain (loss), net of deferred income taxes of $7, $(3) and $(18) in 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively	-11	'	'	'	'	-11	'
Stock options exercised, net 157,058 shares, 38,900 shares and 20,000 shares in 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively	2,319	249	-840	2,910	'	'	'
Vesting of restricted stock units and other stock grants, net 92,630 shares, 68,558 shares and 74,297 shares in 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively	226	151	-910	985	'	'	'
Treasury shares repurchased, 286,577 shares in 2011	-5,788	'	-5,788	'	'	'	'
Amortization of unearned stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures	3,873	'	'	3,873	'	'	'
Balances at Dec. 31, 2011	1,219,918	139,914	-744,644	149,066	1,996,234	-364,191	43,539
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net loss	-254,101	'	'	'	-254,612	'	511
Cash dividends declared:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common @ $0.82 per share, $0.82 per share, and $0.82 per share in 2011, 2012, and 2013, respectively	-66,132	'	'	'	-66,132	'	'
Noncontrolling interests	-2,605	'	'	'	'	'	-2,605
Translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $2,504, $(5,436) and $(5,924) in 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively	11,434	'	'	'	'	10,995	439
Cash flow hedging instrument adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(2,101), $567 and $(1,410) in 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively	-4,333	'	'	'	'	-4,333	'
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	8,602	'	'	'	'	'	8,602
Sale of investment in consolidated subsidiary	-704	'	'	'	'	'	-704
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $19,143, $7,572 and $(11,095) in 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively	-53,645	'	'	'	'	-53,645	'
Marketable securities unrealized gain (loss), net of deferred income taxes of $7, $(3) and $(18) in 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively	6	'	'	'	'	6	'
Stock options exercised, net 157,058 shares, 38,900 shares and 20,000 shares in 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively	710	49	'	661	'	'	'
Vesting of restricted stock units and other stock grants, net 92,630 shares, 68,558 shares and 74,297 shares in 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively	515	117	-561	959	'	'	'
Amortization of unearned stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures	1,959	'	'	1,959	'	'	'
Balances at Dec. 31, 2012	861,624	140,080	-745,205	152,645	1,675,490	-411,168	49,782
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net loss	-218,188	'	'	'	-227,941	'	9,753
Cash dividends declared:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common @ $0.82 per share, $0.82 per share, and $0.82 per share in 2011, 2012, and 2013, respectively	-66,228	'	'	'	-66,228	'	'
Noncontrolling interests	-4,764	'	'	'	'	'	-4,764
Translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $2,504, $(5,436) and $(5,924) in 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively	-55,827	'	'	'	'	-56,198	371
Cash flow hedging instrument adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(2,101), $567 and $(1,410) in 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively	1,047	'	'	'	'	1,116	-69
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	4,825	'	'	'	'	'	4,825
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests	-185	'	'	-292	'	'	107
Sale of investment in consolidated subsidiary	-15,909	'	'	1,003	'	'	-16,912
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $19,143, $7,572 and $(11,095) in 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively	95,604	'	'	'	'	95,604	'
Marketable securities unrealized gain (loss), net of deferred income taxes of $7, $(3) and $(18) in 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively	31	'	'	'	'	31	'
Stock options exercised, net 157,058 shares, 38,900 shares and 20,000 shares in 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively	400	25	'	375	'	'	'
Vesting of restricted stock units and other stock grants, net 92,630 shares, 68,558 shares and 74,297 shares in 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively	1,185	143	-1,032	2,074	'	'	'
Amortization of unearned stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures	3,220	'	'	3,220	'	'	'
Balances at Dec. 31, 2013	$606,835	$140,248	($746,237)	$159,025	$1,381,321	($370,615)	$43,093

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash dividends declared, Common, per share	$0.82	$0.82	$0.82
Translation adjustments, deferred income taxes	($5,924)	($5,436)	$2,504
Cash flow hedging instrument adjustments, deferred income taxes	-1,410	567	-2,101
Pension liability adjustments, deferred income taxes	-11,095	7,572	19,143
Marketable securities unrealized gains (losses), deferred income taxes	($18)	($3)	$7
Stock options exercised, net, shares	20,000	38,900	157,058
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award Net of Forfeitures and Tax Obligations Settled in Shares	74,297	68,558	92,630
Treasury shares repurchased, shares	'	'	0
Treasury Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Treasury shares repurchased, shares	0	0	286,577

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	On November 26, 2013, the Company consummated the previously announced transaction to sell the Company’s Harsco Infrastructure Segment into a strategic venture with Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (“CD&R”) as part of a transaction that combines the Harsco Infrastructure Segment with Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc., which CD&R simultaneously acquired (the “Infrastructure transaction”). See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information on the Infrastructure transaction.
	Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include all accounts of Harsco Corporation (the "Company"), all entities in which the Company has a controlling voting interest, and variable interest entities required to be consolidated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated among consolidated entities.
	The Company's management has evaluated all activity of the Company and concluded that subsequent events are properly reflected in the Company's consolidated financial statements and notes as required by U.S. GAAP.
	Reclassifications and Out of Period Adjustments
	Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform with current year classifications.
	During the second quarter of 2013, the Company recorded non-cash out-of-period adjustments that had the net effect of increasing after-tax income by $3.0 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2013, and by $2.6 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, for the first half of 2013. The adjustments are primarily the result of correcting claims-paid information for certain international accrued insurance reserves which were identified during the regular, periodic evaluation of these reserves during the quarter. The Company assessed the individual and aggregate impact of these adjustments on the current year and all prior periods and determined that the cumulative effect of the adjustments was not material to the full-year 2013 results, and did not result in a material misstatement to any previously issued annual or quarterly financial statements. Consequently, the Company recorded the $3.0 million net adjustment in the second quarter of 2013 and has not revised any previously issued annual financial statements or interim financial data.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits and short-term investments that are highly liquid in nature and have an original maturity of three months or less.
	Equity Method Investments
	The equity method of accounting is used for investments in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over, but not control of, an investee. Significant influence generally exists if the Company has an ownership interest representing between 20% and 50% of the voting stock of an investee. Equity method investments are recorded at initial fair value and are adjusted to recognize the Company's proportionate share of the investee's net income or losses after the date of the investment, additional contributions made, distributions received, and impairments resulting from other-than-temporary declines in estimated fair value.
	Equity method investments are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an other-than-temporary decline in the estimated fair value of the investment has occurred. In these instances, the Company compares the estimated fair value of the investment to the book value of the investment to determine if an impairment has occurred. If the estimated fair value of the investment is less than the book value of the investment and the decline is considered to be other-than-temporary, the excess of the book value over the estimated fair value is recognized as an impairment.
	See Note 5, Equity Method Investments, for additional information on equity method investments.
	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventories in the United States are principally accounted for using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method. The Company's remaining inventories are accounted for using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") or average cost methods. See Note 4, Accounts Receivable and Inventories, for additional information on inventories.
	Depreciation
	Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets using principally the straight-line method. When property is retired from service, the cost of the retirement is charged to the allowance for depreciation to the extent of the accumulated depreciation and the balance is charged to income. Long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale are not depreciated while they are held for sale.
	Leases
	The Company leases certain property and equipment under noncancelable lease agreements. All lease agreements are evaluated and classified as either an operating lease or capital lease in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A lease is classified as a capital lease if any of the following criteria are met: transfer of ownership to the Company by the end of the lease term; the lease contains a bargain purchase option; the lease term is equal to or greater than 75% of the asset's economic life; or the present value of future minimum lease payments is equal to or greater than 90% of the asset's fair market value. Operating lease expense is recognized ratably over the lease term, including rent abatement periods and rent holidays. See Note 6, Property, Plant and Equipment, and Note 8, Debt and Credit Agreements, for additional information on capital leases and Note 9, Operating Leases, for additional information on operating leases.
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	In accordance with U.S. GAAP, goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist, or if a decision is made to dispose of a business. Goodwill is allocated among and evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below for which discrete financial information is available. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include declining cash flows or operating losses at the reporting unit level, a significant adverse change in legal factors or business climate, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, a loss of key personnel, or a more-likely-than-not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of, among others.
	The Company performs the annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1. The Company has seven reporting units (only three of which have goodwill associated with them as of December 31, 2013), of which two are included in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment. The remaining reporting unit is the Harsco Rail Segment. Almost all of the Company's goodwill is allocated to the Harsco Metals business, which is included in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment.
	The evaluation of potential goodwill impairment involves comparing the current fair value of each reporting unit to its net book value, including goodwill. The Company uses a discounted cash flow model (“DCF model”) to estimate the current fair value of reporting units, as management believes forecasted operating cash flows are the best indicator of current fair value. A number of significant assumptions and estimates are involved in the preparation of DCF models including future revenues and operating margin growth, the weighted-average cost of capital (“WACC”), tax rates, capital spending, pension funding, the impact of business initiatives, and working capital projections. These assumptions and estimates may vary significantly between reporting units. DCF models are based on approved operating plans for the early years and historical relationships and projections for later years. WACC rates are derived from internal and external factors including, but not limited to, the average market price of the Company's stock, shares outstanding, book value of the Company's debt, the long-term risk free interest rate, and both market and size-specific risk premiums. Due to the many variables noted above and the relative size of the Company's goodwill, differences in assumptions may have a material impact on the results of the Company's annual goodwill impairment testing. If the net book value of a reporting unit were to exceed its current fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test would be required to determine if an impairment existed and the amount of goodwill impairment to record, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the net book value of a reporting unit's goodwill with the implied fair value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill represents the excess of fair value of the reporting unit over the fair value amounts assigned to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit if it were to be acquired in a business combination and the current fair value of the reporting unit represented the purchase price. The second step of the goodwill impairment test requires the utilization of valuation experts.
	See Note 7, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for additional information on goodwill.
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Other than Goodwill)
	Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company's policy is to determine if an impairment loss exists when it is determined that the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows resulting from use of the asset, and its eventual disposition. Impairment losses are measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, normally as determined in either open market transactions or through the use of a discounted cash flow model. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, and Note 17, Other Expenses, for additional information on impairment of long-lived assets (other than goodwill).
	Revenue Recognition
	Service revenues and product revenues are recognized when they are realized or realizable and when earned. Revenue is realized or realizable and earned when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the Company's price to the buyer is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Service revenues include the Harsco Infrastructure Segment as well as service revenues of the Harsco Metals & Minerals and Harsco Rail Segments. Product revenues include the Harsco Industrial Segment and the product revenues of the Harsco Metals & Minerals and Harsco Rail Segments.
	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment—This Segment provides services predominantly on a long-term, volume-of-production contract basis. Contracts may include both fixed monthly fees as well as variable fees based upon specific services provided to the customer. The fixed-fee portion is recognized periodically as earned (normally monthly) over the contractual period. The variable-fee portion is recognized as services are performed and differs from period to period based upon the actual provision of services. This Segment also sells industrial abrasives and roofing granules products. Product revenues are recognized generally when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all revenue recognition criteria have been met. Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment. For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract.
	Harsco Infrastructure Segment—This Segment historically provided services under both fixed-fee and time-and-materials short-term contracts, rented equipment under month-to-month rental contracts and, to a lesser extent, sold products to customers. Equipment rentals were recognized as earned over the contractual rental period. Services provided on a fixed-fee basis were recognized over the contractual period based upon the completion of specific units of accounting (i.e., erection and dismantling of equipment). Services provided on a time-and-materials basis were recognized when earned as services were performed. Product revenue was recognized when title and risk of loss transferred and when all revenue recognition criteria had been met. As a result of the Infrastructure transaction, this Segment no longer recognizes revenue from operations. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information on the Infrastructure transaction.
	Harsco Rail Segment—This Segment sells railway track maintenance equipment, parts and provides railway track maintenance services. Product revenue is recognized generally when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all of the revenue recognition criteria have been met. Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment. For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract. Revenue may be recognized subsequent to the transfer of title and risk of loss for certain product sales, if the specific sales contract includes a customer acceptance clause that provides for different timing. In those situations revenue is recognized after transfer of title and risk of loss and after customer acceptance. Services are predominantly on a long-term, time-and-materials contract basis. Revenue is recognized when earned as services are performed within the long-term contracts.
	Harsco Industrial Segment—This Segment sells industrial grating products, heat exchangers, and heat transfer products. Product revenues are generally recognized when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all of the revenue recognition criteria have been met. Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment. For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract.
	Income Taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of the events that have been included in the consolidated financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
	The Company records deferred tax assets to the extent that the Company believes that these assets will more-likely-than-not be realized. In making such determinations, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial results. In the event the Company was to determine that it would be able to realize deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, an adjustment to the valuation allowance would be made that would reduce the provision for income taxes.
	The Company prepares and files its tax returns based on its interpretation of tax laws and regulations and records its provision for income taxes based on these interpretations. Uncertainties may exist in estimating the Company's tax provisions and in filing its tax returns in the many jurisdictions in which the Company operates, and as a result these interpretations may give rise to an uncertain tax position. The tax benefit from an uncertain tax position is recognized when it is more-likely-than-not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on its technical merits. Each subsequent period the Company determines if existing or new uncertain tax positions meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold and adjust accordingly.
	The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within Income tax expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	In general, it is the practice and the intention of the Company to reinvest the undistributed earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries. Should the Company repatriate future earnings, such amounts would become subject to U.S. taxation upon remittance of dividends and under certain other circumstances, thereby giving recognition to current tax expense and to international tax credits.
	The significant assumptions and estimates described in the preceding paragraphs are important contributors to the effective tax rate each year.
	See Note 11, Income Taxes, for additional information on income taxes.
	Accrued Insurance and Loss Reserves
	The Company retains a significant portion of the risk for U.S. workers' compensation, U.K. employers' liability, automobile, general and product liability losses. During 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded insurance expense from continuing operations related to these lines of coverage of $30.0 million, $33.8 million and $37.0 million, respectively. Reserves have been recorded that reflect the undiscounted estimated liabilities including claims incurred but not reported. When a recognized liability is covered by third-party insurance, the Company records an insurance claim receivable to reflect the covered liability. Changes in the estimates of the reserves are included in net loss in the period determined. During 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded retrospective insurance reserve adjustments that decreased pre-tax insurance expense from continuing operations for self-insured programs by $7.2 million, $4.3 million and $2.7 million, respectively. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company has recorded liabilities of $52.4 million and $82.7 million, respectively, related to both asserted as well as unasserted insurance claims. Included in the balance at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were $4.0 million and $3.6 million, respectively, of recognized liabilities covered by insurance carriers. Amounts estimated to be paid within one year have been classified as current Insurance liabilities, with the remainder included in non-current Insurance liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	The decrease in recorded liabilities related to both asserted as well as unasserted insurance claims since December 31, 2012, primarily relates to the consummation of the Infrastructure transaction. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information related to the Infrastructure transaction.
	Warranties
	The Company has recorded product warranty reserves of $9.5 million, $9.1 million and $5.6 million at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company provides for warranties of certain products as they are sold. The following table summarizes the warranty activity for 2013, 2012 and 2011:
	(In thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Warranty reserves, beginning of the year	$	9,092		$	5,596		$	5,037
	Accruals for warranties issued during the year	5,016			7,935			4,003
	Reductions related to pre-existing warranties	(1,966		)	(2,401		)	(1,769		)
	Warranties paid	(2,573		)	(1,958		)	(1,677		)
	Other (principally foreign currency translation)	(21		)	(80		)	2
	Warranty reserves, end of the year	$	9,548		$	9,092		$	5,596
	Warranty expense and payments are incurred principally in the Harsco Rail and Harsco Industrial Segments. Warranty activity may vary from year to year depending upon the mix of revenues and contractual terms related to product warranties.
	Foreign Currency Translation
	The financial statements of the Company's subsidiaries outside the United States, except for those subsidiaries located in highly inflationary economies and those entities for which the U.S. dollar is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates, are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rates at the balance sheet date. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded in the cumulative translation adjustment account, a separate component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Income and expense items are translated at average monthly exchange rates. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in net income loss. For subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies, and those entities for which the U.S. dollar is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates, gains and losses on foreign currency transactions and balance sheet translation adjustments are included in net loss. In 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company had no subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies.
	Financial Instruments and Hedging
	The Company has operations throughout the world that are exposed to fluctuations in related foreign currencies in the normal course of business. The Company seeks to reduce exposure to foreign currency fluctuations through the use of forward exchange contracts. The Company does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes, and it is the Company's policy to prohibit the use of derivatives for speculative purposes. The Company has a Foreign Currency Risk Management Committee that meets periodically to monitor foreign currency risks.
	The Company executes foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge transactions for firm purchase commitments, to hedge variable cash flows of forecasted transactions and for export sales denominated in foreign currencies. These contracts are generally for 90 days or less; however, where appropriate, longer-term contracts may be utilized. For those contracts that are designated as qualified cash flow hedges, gains or losses are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	The Company uses cross currency interest rate swaps in conjunction with certain debt issuances in order to lock in fixed local currency interest rates. Under these cross currency interest rate swaps, the Company receives interest based on a fixed or variable U.S. dollar rate and pays interest based on a fixed local currency rate based on the contractual amounts in U.S. dollars and the local currency, respectively.
	Amounts recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are reclassified into operations in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects income. The cash flows from these contracts are classified consistent with the cash flows from the transaction being hedged (e.g., the cash flows related to contracts to hedge the purchase of fixed assets are included in cash flows from investing activities, etc.). The Company also enters into certain forward exchange contracts that are not designated as hedges. Gains and losses on these contracts are recognized in operations based on changes in fair market value. For fair value hedges of a firm commitment, the gain or loss on the derivative and the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged firm commitment are recognized currently in operations.
	See Note 15, Financial Instruments for additional information financial instruments and hedging.
	Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share are calculated using the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, while diluted earnings per share reflect the dilutive effects of stock-based compensation. All share and per share amounts are restated for any stock splits and stock dividends that occur prior to the issuance of the financial statements. See Note 13, Capital Stock, for additional information on earnings per share.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recently_Adopted_and_Recently_

Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards	'
	Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	The following accounting standards have been adopted in 2013:
	On January 1, 2013, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued changes related to offsetting assets and liabilities. The changes require additional disclosure regarding the offsetting of assets and liabilities to enable users of financial statements to understand the effect on financial position.  The adoption of these changes did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. The disclosures required by these changes are included in Note 15, Financial Instruments.
	On January 1, 2013, the Company adopted FASB issued changes related to the presentation of reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income.  These changes require additional disclosure related to changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component and significant items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. Other than the additional disclosure requirements, the adoption of these changes did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. The disclosures required by these changes are included in Note 18, Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.
	On July 17, 2013, the Company adopted FASB issued changes related to the inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes. These changes also removed restrictions on using different benchmark rates for similar hedges. The adoption of these changes did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	The following accounting standards have been issued and become effective for the Company at a future date:
	In March 2013, the FASB issued changes related to a parent's accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment upon derecognition of certain subsidiaries or groups of assets within a foreign entity or of an investment in a foreign entity. The changes resolve diversity in practice related to these matters. The changes became effective for the Company on January 1, 2014. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued changes related to financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists that could be used to offset the liability for an uncertain tax position. The changes resolve diversity in practice related to these matters. The changes became effective for the Company on January 1, 2014. Management has determined that these changes will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions_and_Dispositions

Acquisitions and Dispositions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Acquisitions and Dispositions [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions and Dispositions	'
	Acquisitions and Dispositions
	Acquisitions
	In January 2014, the Company acquired Hammco Corporation ("Hammco"), a U.S. manufacturer of high specification air-cooled heat exchangers for the natural gas and petrochemical processing markets.
	Certain of the Company's acquisitions in prior years included contingent consideration features for which defined goals needed to be met by the acquired business in order for payment of the consideration. Each quarter until settlement of these contingencies, the Company assessed the likelihood that an acquired business would achieve the goals and the resulting fair value of the contingency. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, these adjustments were recognized in operating income (loss) from continuing operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of the Other expenses caption. The Company's assessment of these performance goals resulted in the following reductions to previously recognized contingent consideration liabilities:
		Years Ended December 31
	(In thousands)	2013			2012				2011
	Reduction of contingent consideration liabilities	$	—		$	—			$	3,966
	All contingent consideration liabilities have been settled and there was no recorded contingent consideration liability as of December 31, 2013 or 2012.
	Net Loss Attributable to the Company and Changes to Noncontrolling Interest
	The following table discloses the effects of changes in the Company's ownership interests in subsidiaries on the Company's equity.
		Years Ended December 31
	(In thousands)	2013			2012				2011
	Net loss attributable to the Company	$	(227,941	)	$	(254,612	)		$	(11,510	)
	Net increase in the Company's paid-in capital for changes to noncontrolling interest	711			—				—
	Change from net loss attributable to the Company and changes to noncontrolling interest	$	(227,230	)	$	(254,612	)		$	(11,510	)
	Dispositions
	Infrastructure Transaction
	On November 26, 2013, the Company consummated the Infrastructure transaction. The Company has contributed substantially all of the Company’s equity interests in, and the net assets of, the Harsco Infrastructure Segment to the strategic venture in exchange for approximately $300 million in cash, subject to working capital and other adjustments, and an approximate 29% equity interest in the resulting entity (the " Infrastructure strategic venture" or "Brand"). The Company’s equity interest in the Infrastructure strategic venture will be accounted for under the equity method of accounting as prescribed by U.S. GAAP. See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, and Note 5, Equity Method Investments, for additional information on equity method investments.
	As a result of the Infrastructure transaction, the Company recorded an estimated non-cash long-lived asset impairment charge of $241.3 million during the third quarter of 2013. The Company recorded an additional loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment of $30.0 million during the fourth quarter of 2013 related to the Infrastructure transaction. The increase loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment from September 30, 2013 was due principally to the final valuation of the equity interest in the Infrastructure strategic venture and changes in working capital and other adjustments.  Further adjustments to the impairment charge may be necessary and the final impairment charge may differ, possibly materially, as a result of any adjustments made to the valuation of certain items set forth on the closing statement to be prepared by Brand in connection with the Infrastructure transaction, which is subject to review by the Company and requires final agreement between Brand and the Company. The Company determined that the impairment charges were necessary given the fair value of the consideration received in the Infrastructure transaction. The amount of the impairment charge represents the Company's estimate of the difference between the book value of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment, less costs to sell, and the sum of the cash consideration plus the fair value of the Company's approximate 29% equity interest in the Infrastructure strategic venture. The fair value of the equity interest was determined based on the expected future discounted cash flows of the Infrastructure strategic venture.
	While the Infrastructure transaction was consummated on November 26, 2013, necessary regulatory approvals related to certain jurisdictions were still required at December 31, 2013. The carrying amounts of the remaining assets and liabilities that were aggregated in the captions Assets held-for-sale and Liabilities of assets held-for-sale, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013 are as follows:
	(In thousands)	31-Dec			(In thousands)		31-Dec
		2013					2013
	Assets held-for-sale:				Liabilities of assets held-for-sale:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,290		Accounts payable		$	4,143
	Trade accounts receivable, net	28,471			Accrued compensation		4,618
	Due from unconsolidated affiliate	65,728			Income taxes payable		1,105
	Inventories	5,898			Insurance liabilities - current portion		21
	Other current assets	2,129			Due to unconsolidated affiliate		97,079
	Property, plant and equipment, net	10,343			Other current liabilities		2,210
	Other assets	109
		$	113,968				$	109,176
	The ownership interest in the jurisdictions representing the assets held-for-sale and liabilities of assets held-for-sale at December 31, 2013 were transferred to Brand during January 2014, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
	Additionally, the Company incurred $20.1 million of transaction costs during the year ended December 31, 2013 in conjunction with the Infrastructure transaction.
	Harsco Gas Technologies
	Consistent with the Company's strategic focus to grow and allocate financial resources principally to its industrial services businesses, the Company sold its Gas Technologies Segment to Taylor Wharton International in 2007. The Company recorded after-tax losses from discontinued operations of $1.5 million, $0.9 million and $2.1 million, in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The losses incurred in 2013, 2012 and 2011 included charges related to potential and contingent claims. The Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended 2013, 2012 and 2011 reflect the Gas Technologies Segment's results as discontinued operations.

Accounts_Receivable_and_Invent

Accounts Receivable and Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts Receivable and Inventories [Abstract]	'
Accounts Receivable and Inventories	'
	Accounts Receivable and Inventories
	Accounts receivable consist of the following:
			Accounts Receivable
	(In thousands)		December 31			December 31
			2013			2012
	Trade accounts receivable		$	359,819		$	617,517
	Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts		(6,638		)	(17,253		)
	Trade accounts receivable, net		$	353,181		$	600,264
	Other receivables (a)		$	46,470		$	39,836
	(a)	Other receivables include insurance claim receivables, employee receivables, tax claim receivables and other miscellaneous receivables not included in Trade accounts receivable, net.
	The following table reflects the provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
			Years Ended December 31
	(In thousands)		2013			2012			2011
	Provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable		$	10,175		$	11,266		$	7,880
	Inventories consist of the following:
			Inventories
	(In thousands)		December 31			December 31
			2013			2012
	Finished goods		$	23,112		$	69,904
	Work-in-process		25,623			28,944
	Raw materials and purchased parts		72,118			99,058
	Stores and supplies		34,836			38,606
	Total inventories		$	155,689		$	236,512
	Valued at lower of cost or market:
	LIFO basis		$	94,939		$	108,633
	FIFO basis		9,859			14,641
	Average cost basis		50,891			113,238
	Total inventories		$	155,689		$	236,512
	Inventories valued on the LIFO basis at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were approximately $28.4 million and $28.5 million, respectively, less than the amounts of such inventories valued at current costs.
	During 2013, there was no significant impact on net loss as a result of reducing certain inventory quantities valued on a LIFO basis. As a result of reducing certain inventory quantities valued on the LIFO basis, net loss decreased from that which would have been recorded under the FIFO basis of valuation by $0.1 million and $0.1 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	The decreases in Accounts receivable and Inventories since December 31, 2012, primarily relates to the consummation of the Infrastructure transaction. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information related to the Infrastructure transaction.

Equity_Method_Investments_Note

Equity Method Investments (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Equity Method Investments	'
	Equity Method Investments
	As a result of the Infrastructure transaction, the Company owned an approximate 29% equity interest in Brand at December 31, 2013. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information related to the Infrastructure transaction.
	Brand is a leading provider of specialized services to the global energy, industrial and infrastructure markets that combines a global footprint, broad service offerings and rigorous operating processes to support customer required facility maintenance and turnaround needs and capital driven upgrade and expansion plans. Brand's range of services includes work access, corrosion management, atmospheric and immersion coatings, insulation services, fireproofing and refractory, mechanical services, forming and shoring and other complementary specialty services. Brand delivers services through a global network of strategically located branches in six continents with a particular focus on major hydrocarbon and power generation markets globally. In addition, Brand has co-located branches at energy-related customer facilities providing a consistent presence for required maintenance work.
	The Company will record the Company's proportionate share of Brand's net income or loss one quarter in arrears. Accordingly, the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 does not include any amounts related to the Infrastructure strategic venture in the caption Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net. The Company will begin recording the Company's proportionate share of Brand's net income or loss during the first quarter of 2014. The book value of the Company's investment in Brand at December 31, 2013 was $296.1 million.
	The initial determination of fair value of the Company's equity method investment (Level 3) in Brand was derived with a primary reliance upon the income approach. Various DCF models were created based on the Company's most likely case view of cash flow projections for Brand over a five year horizon. The following table details quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs:
		Fair Value at December 31 2013				Range
	(Dollars in thousands)			Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Low		High
	Equity method investment - Brand	$	296,082	Discounted cash flow	EBITDA Margin	10.9	%	12.6	%
					Ratio of capital expenditures to revenues	2.9	%	3.8	%
					Long-term revenue growth	3	%	3	%
					WACC Rate	9.25	%	9.25	%
					Cost of equity	12.5	%	12.5	%
					Implied exit EBITDA multiple	7.0X		7.5X
					Discount for lack of marketability	15	%	15	%
	As part of the Infrastructure transaction, the Company is required to make quarterly payments to its partner in the Infrastructure strategic venture, either (at the Company's election) (i) in cash, with total payments to equal approximately $22 million per year on a pre-tax basis (approximately $15 million per year after-tax), or (ii) in kind through the transfer of approximately 2.5% of the Company's ownership interest in the Infrastructure strategic venture on an annual basis (the "unit adjustment liability"). The resulting liability is reflected in the caption, Unit adjustment liability, on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company will recognize the change in the fair value of the unit adjustment liability each period until the Company is no longer required to make these payments or chooses not to make these payments. The change in the fair value of the unit adjustment liability is a non-cash expense. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recognized $1.0 million of change in the fair value of the unit adjustment liability.
	The Company's obligation to make such quarterly payments will cease upon the earlier of (i) Brand achieving $479.0 million in last twelve months' earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") for three quarters, which need not be consecutive, or (ii) eight years after the closing of the Infrastructure transaction. In addition, upon the initial public offering of Brand, the Company's quarterly payment obligation will decrease by the portion of CD&R's ownership interest sold and is eliminated completely once CD&R's ownership interest in Brand falls below 20%. In the event of a liquidation event of Brand, CD&R is entitled to a liquidation preference of approximately $336 million, plus any quarterly payments that had been paid in kind.
	At December 31, 2013, the balance related to the unit adjustment liability is $106.3 million and is included in the current and non-current captions, Unit adjustment liability, on the Consolidated Balances Sheets. The initial fair value of the unit adjustment liability (Level 3) was determined using key unobservable inputs including the expectation to continue to make cash payments over various exit horizons and a WACC of 9.5%. A reconciliation of beginning and ending balances related to the unit adjustment liability is included in Note 15, Financial Instruments.
	The Company intends to make these quarterly payments in cash and will continue to evaluate the implications of making payments in cash or in kind based upon performance of the Infrastructure strategic venture. In the future, should the Company decide not to make the cash payment, the value of both the equity method investment in Brand and the related unit adjustment liability may be impacted, and the change may be reflected in earnings in that period.
	Balances related to transactions between the Company and Brand at December 31, 2013 are as follows:
	(In thousands)	December 31
		2013
	Balances due from Brand	$	85,908
	Balances due to Brand	149,325
	These balances between the Company and Brand relate primarily to the finalization of the Infrastructure transaction, including transition services and the funding of certain transferred defined benefit pension plan obligations through 2018. There is not expected to be any significant level of revenue or expense between the Company and Brand on an on-going basis once all aspects of the Infrastructure transaction have been finalized.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:
	(In thousands)	Estimated	December 31			December 31
		Useful Lives	2013			2012
	Land	—	$	16,652		$	26,336
	Land improvements	5-20 years	13,615			14,199
	Buildings and improvements	5-40 years	192,346			190,078
	Machinery and equipment	3-20 years	1,969,493			2,950,384
	Uncompleted construction	—	86,508			107,633
	Gross property, plant and equipment		2,278,614			3,288,630
	Less: Accumulated depreciation		(1,567,268		)	(2,022,405		)
	Property, plant and equipment, net		$	711,346		$	1,266,225
	Included in the amounts are $23.5 million and $5.2 million of property, plant and equipment under capital leases at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Buildings and improvements include leasehold improvements that are amortized over the shorter of their useful lives or the initial term of the lease.
	The decreases in Property, plant and equipment since December 31, 2012, primarily relates to the consummation of the Infrastructure transaction. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information related to the Infrastructure transaction.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill by Segment
	The following table reflects the changes in carrying amounts of goodwill by segment (there is no goodwill associated with the Harsco Infrastructure or Harsco Industrial Segment) for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
	(In thousands)		Harsco Metals		Harsco			Harsco		Consolidated
			& Minerals		Infrastructure			Rail		Totals
			Segment		Segment			Segment
	Balance at December 31, 2011		$	411,876	$	259,715		$	9,310	$	680,901
	Changes to goodwill (a)		—		(2,295		)	—		(2,295		)
	Goodwill impairment		—		(265,038		)	—		(265,038		)
	Foreign currency translation		8,012		7,618			—		15,630
	Balance at December 31, 2012		419,888		—			9,310		429,198
	Foreign currency translation		2,067		—			—		2,067
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	421,955	$	—		$	9,310	$	431,265
	(a)	Changes to goodwill relate principally to the allocation of goodwill, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, to components of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment that were disposed of as part of the 2011/2012 Restructuring Program.
	The Company's methodology for determining reporting unit fair value is described in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. Performance of the Company's 2013 annual impairment test did not result in impairment of any of the Company's reporting units. The first step of the October 1, 2012 annual goodwill impairment test indicated that the net book value of the Harsco Infrastructure reporting unit exceeded its current fair value, requiring the Company to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. In performing the second step of the goodwill impairment test, the Company compared the implied fair value of goodwill for the Harsco Infrastructure reporting unit to its carrying value. This analysis resulted in a non-cash, goodwill impairment charge of $265.0 million, which was recognized during the fourth quarter of 2012. This charge had no impact on the Company's cash flows or compliance with debt covenants. As a result of this goodwill impairment charge, there is no remaining goodwill associated with the Harsco Infrastructure Segment.
	Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets totaled $53.3 million, net of accumulated amortization of $143.4 million at December 31, 2013 and $77.7 million, net of accumulated amortization of $172.6 million at December 31, 2012. The following table reflects these intangible assets by major category:
			31-Dec-13					31-Dec-12
	(In thousands)		Gross Carrying		Accumulated			Gross Carrying		Accumulated
			Amount		Amortization			Amount		Amortization
	Customer related		$	150,307	$	110,889		$	183,862	$	129,904
	Non-compete agreements		1,126		1,024			1,347		1,310
	Patents		6,211		5,273			6,909		5,503
	Technology related		27,185		18,931			29,588		17,551
	Trade names		4,113		2,969			18,685		11,688
	Other		7,753		4,348			9,947		6,656
	Total		$	196,695	$	143,434		$	250,338	$	172,612
	Amortization expense for intangible assets was $13.8 million, $17.6 million and $31.5 million for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The following table shows the estimated amortization expense for the next five fiscal years based on current intangible assets.
	(In thousands)		2014		2015			2016		2017			2018
	Estimated amortization expense (a)		$	8,500	$	7,250		$	6,750	$	3,750		$	3,500
	(a)	These estimated amortization expense amounts do not reflect the potential effect of future foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
	The decreases in Intangible assets and estimated amortization expense for the next five fiscal years since December 31, 2012, primarily relates to the consummation of the Infrastructure transaction. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information related to the Infrastructure transaction.

Debt_and_Credit_Agreements

Debt and Credit Agreements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt and Credit Agreements	'
	Debt and Credit Agreements
	The Company has a multi-year revolving credit facility that is available for use throughout the world. The following table illustrates the amount outstanding under the multi-year revolving credit facility and available credit at December 31, 2013. The multi-year revolving credit facility is described in more detail below the table.
	Summary of Credit Facility at December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)	Facility			Outstanding			Available
		Limit			Balance			Credit
	Multi-year revolving credit facility	$	525,000		$	35,000		$	490,000
	In March 2012, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") providing for $525 million of borrowing capacity through a syndicate of 14 banks.  The Credit Agreement matures in March 2017.  The Company has the option to increase the borrowing capacity available under the Credit Agreement to $550 million.  The Credit Agreement amends and restates the Company’s multi-year revolving credit facility, which was set to mature in December 2012. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are available in most major currencies with active markets and at interest rates based upon LIBOR, plus a margin.
	On September 12, 2013, the Company entered into Amendment No.1 ("Amendment No. 1") to the Credit Agreement. In addition to certain administrative and conforming modifications, Amendment No. 1 replaced the total consolidated debt to total consolidated capital ratio debt covenant. That debt covenant was replaced by a debt covenant for total consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA, which is not to exceed 3.5 to 1.0. During the three months ended September 30, 2013, the Company expensed $0.4 million of fees associated with Amendment No. 1.
	On December 20, 2013, the Company entered into Amendment No. 2 ("Amendment No. 2") to the Credit Agreement.  Amendment No. 2 modified certain defined terms to reflect the impact of the Infrastructure transaction. During the three months ended December 31, 2013, the Company expensed $0.3 million of fees associated with Amendment No. 2.
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had $35.0 million and $89.5 million, respectively, of commercial paper and Credit Agreement borrowings outstanding in the aggregate. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, all such balances were classified as long-term borrowings in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Classification of such balances is based on the Company's ability and intent to repay such amounts over the subsequent twelve months, as well as reflects the Company's ability and intent to borrow for a period longer than a year. To the extent the Company expects to repay any amounts within the subsequent twelve months, the amounts are classified as short-term borrowings.
	During the third quarter of 2013, the Company's U.S. commercial paper program was canceled. The cancellation of the Company's U.S. commercial paper program had no impact on the Company's liquidity and capital resources because the Company had sufficient available credit under the Credit Agreement.
	Short-term borrowings amounted to $7.5 million and $8.6 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Short-term borrowings consist principally of bank overdrafts. The weighted-average interest rate for short-term borrowings at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was 10.8% and 4.9%, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate for short-term borrowing increased due to increased borrowings in certain jurisdictions, primarily Argentina, China and India.
		Long-Term Debt
	(In thousands)	December 31			December 31
		2013			2012
	5.75% notes due May 15, 2018	$	448,268		$	447,931
	5.125% notes due September 15, 2013	—			149,875
	2.7% notes due October 15, 2015	249,373			249,022
	Other financing payable (including capital leases) in varying amounts due principally through 2018 with a weighted-average interest rate of 3.6% and 2.7% at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	105,774			113,878
	Total debt	803,415			960,706
	Less: current maturities	(20,257		)	(3,278		)
	Total long-term debt	$	783,158		$	957,428
	Additionally, the Company retired the $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.125% notes, due September 15, 2013, at maturity using borrowings under the Company's Credit Agreement, which were subsequently repaid with proceeds from the Infrastructure transaction.
	The maturities of long-term debt for the four years following December 31, 2014 are as follows:
	(In thousands)
	2015	$	267,835
	2016	19,643
	2017	42,667
	2018	451,860
	Cash payments for interest on all debt were $50.1 million, $45.5 million and $46.4 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	In addition to the total consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio covenant, which is not to exceed 3.5 to 1.0, the Credit Agreement contains covenants that limit the proportion of subsidiary consolidated indebtedness to a maximum of 10% of consolidated tangible assets and require a minimum total consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest charges ratio of 3.0 to 1.0. The Company’s 5.75% and 2.7% notes include covenants that require the Company to offer to repurchase the notes at 101% of par in the event of a change of control of the Company or disposition of substantially all of the Company’s assets in combination with a downgrade in the Company’s credit rating to non-investment grade.  At December 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with these and all other covenants.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Leases	'
	Operating Leases
	The Company leases certain property and equipment under noncancelable operating leases. Rental expense under such operating leases was $51.7 million (including $33.8 million related to the Harsco Infrastructure Segment), $54.9 million and $66.1 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Future minimum payments under operating leases with noncancelable terms are as follows:
	(in thousands)
	2014	$	11,610
	2015	8,277
	2016	5,271
	2017	2,937
	2018	1,617
	After 2018	11,218
	Total minimum rentals to be received in the future under noncancelable subleases at December 31, 2013 are $0.2 million.
	The decreases in future minimum payments under operating leases with noncancelable terms and minimum rentals to be received in the future under noncancelable subleases since December 31, 2012, primarily relates to the consummation of the Infrastructure transaction. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information related to the Infrastructure transaction.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Employee Benefit Plans	'
	Employee Benefit Plans
	Pension Benefits
	The Company has defined benefit pension retirement plans covering a substantial number of its employees. The defined benefits for salaried employees generally are based on years of service and the employee's level of compensation during specified periods of employment. Defined benefit plans covering hourly employees generally provide benefits of stated amounts for each year of service. The multiemployer plans in which the Company participates provide benefits to certain unionized employees. The Company's funding policy for qualified plans is consistent with statutory regulations and customarily equals the amount deducted for income tax purposes. The Company also makes periodic voluntary contributions as recommended by its pension committee. The Company's policy is to amortize prior service costs of defined benefit pension plans over the average future service period of active plan participants.
	For most U.S. defined benefit pension plans and a majority of international defined benefit pension plans, accrued service is no longer granted. In place of these plans, the Company has established defined contribution pension plans providing for the Company to contribute a specified matching amount for participating employees' contributions to the plan. For U.S. employees, this match is made on employee contributions up to 4% of their eligible compensation. Additionally, the Company may provide a discretionary contribution of up to 2% of compensation for eligible employees. This discretionary amount has not been provided for the years 2013, 2012 and 2011. For non-U.S. employees, this match is up to 6% of eligible compensation with an additional 2% going towards insurance and administrative costs.
	Net periodic pension cost for U.S. and international pension plans for 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:
			U.S. Plans											International Plans
	(In thousands)		2013				2012				2011			2013				2012				2011
	Defined benefit plans:
	Service cost		$	2,565			$	1,887			$	1,557		$	3,457			$	3,418			$	4,350
	Interest cost		11,767				12,780				13,468			42,707				46,174				48,768
	Expected return on plan assets		(15,642		)		(15,617		)		(16,480		)	(46,920		)		(45,050		)		(52,735		)
	Recognized prior service costs		248				224				245			335				397				424
	Recognized losses		5,052				4,637				2,982			16,447				15,194				11,332
	Amortization of transition liability		—				—				—			—				8				43
	Settlement/curtailment loss (gain)		—				1,510				—			(372		)		(2,589		)		183
	Defined benefit plans pension cost		3,990				5,421				1,772			15,654				17,552				12,365
	Multiemployer plans		12,444				10,186				13,264			5,449				5,539				6,547
	Defined contribution plans		4,945				5,066				5,434			11,139				12,770				14,157
	Net periodic pension cost		$	21,379			$	20,673			$	20,470		$	32,242			$	35,861			$	33,069
	The change in the financial status of the pension plans and amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
			U.S. Plans								International Plans
	(In thousands)		2013				2012				2013			2012
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	316,448			$	298,769			$	1,068,750		$	968,218
	Service cost		2,565				1,887				3,457			3,418
	Interest cost		11,767				12,780				42,707			46,174
	Plan participants' contributions		—				—				689			830
	Amendments		—				—				(394		)	60
	Actuarial (gain) loss		(28,158		)		27,803				(8,245		)	65,379
	Settlements/curtailments		—				(3,029		)		(1,619		)	(9,506		)
	Benefits paid		(19,051		)		(21,762		)		(46,269		)	(44,968		)
	Effect of foreign currency		—				—				19,744			39,181
	Infrastructure transaction transfer (a)		—				—				(120,115		)	—
	Other		—				—				—			(36		)
	Benefit obligation at end of year		$	283,571			$	316,448			$	958,705		$	1,068,750
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		$	218,084			$	209,237			$	783,059		$	714,163
	Actual return on plan assets		31,931				27,429				68,535			58,194
	Employer contributions		2,615				6,254				30,258			29,713
	Plan participants' contributions		—				—				689			830
	Settlements/curtailments		—				(3,074		)		(1,028		)	(3,885		)
	Benefits paid		(19,051		)		(21,762		)		(45,207		)	(43,954		)
	Effect of foreign currency		—				—				11,455			27,998
	Infrastructure transaction transfer (a)		—				—				(76,850		)	—
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		$	233,579			$	218,084			$	770,911		$	783,059
	Funded status at end of year		$	(49,992	)		$	(98,364	)		$	(187,794	)	$	(285,691	)
	(a) During 2013, certain international plans' benefit obligations and plan assets were transferred to the Infrastructure strategic venture as part of the Infrastructure transaction, as described in Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions.
	Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
			U.S. Plans								International Plans
	(In thousands)		December 31				December 31				December 31			December 31
			2013				2012				2013			2012
	Noncurrent assets		$	2,148			$	490			$	3,894		$	5,892
	Current liabilities		(2,045		)		(2,531		)		(534		)	(1,048		)
	Noncurrent liabilities		(50,095		)		(96,323		)		(191,154		)	(290,535		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax		109,348				159,094				401,300			469,949
	Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax, consist of the following at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
			U.S. Plans								International Plans
	(In thousands)		2013				2012				2013			2012
	Net actuarial loss		$	109,081			$	158,579			$	400,726		$	467,438
	Prior service cost		267				515				574			2,511
	Total		$	109,348			$	159,094			$	401,300		$	469,949
	The estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into defined benefit net periodic pension cost in 2014 are as follows:
	(In thousands)		U.S. Plans				International  Plans
Net actuarial loss		$	3,352			$	14,224
Prior service cost		90				190
Total		$	3,442			$	14,414
The Company's estimate of expected contributions to be paid in year 2014 for the U.S. defined benefit plans is $7.8 million and for the international defined benefit plans is $30.6 million.
Future Benefit Payments
The expected benefit payments for defined benefit plans over the next 10 years are as follows:
(In millions)		2014				2015				2016			2017				2018				2019-2023
U.S. Plans		$	24.5			$	17.6			$	18		$	17.7			$	17.8			$	91.1
International Plans		44				45.7				47.7			49.4				51.5				285.5
Net Periodic Pension Cost Assumptions
The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the net periodic pension cost for 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:
		U.S. Plans									International Plans								Global Weighted-Average
		December 31									December 31								December 31
		2013			2012			2011			2013		2012			2011			2013			2012		2011
Discount rates		3.8	%		4.4	%		5.3	%		4.3	%	4.8	%		5.5	%		4.2	%		4.7	%	5.4	%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets		7.5	%		7.8	%		7.8	%		6.6	%	6.7	%		7.4	%		6.8	%		6.9	%	7.5	%
Rates of compensation increase		3	%		3	%		3	%		2.8	%	3.4	%		3.3	%		2.8	%		3.4	%	3.3	%
The expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for the 2014 net periodic pension cost are 7.5% for the U.S. plans and 6.8% for the international plans. The expected global long-term rate of return on assets for 2014 is 7.0%.
Defined Benefit Pension Obligation Assumptions
The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the defined benefit pension plan obligations at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		U.S. Plans						International Plans					Global Weighted-Average
		December 31						December 31					December 31
		2013			2012			2013			2012		2013			2012
Discount rates		4.7	%		3.8	%		4.7	%		4.3	%	4.7	%		4.2	%
Rates of compensation increase		3	%		3	%		3.4	%		2.8	%	3.3	%		2.8	%
The U.S. discount rate was determined using a yield curve that was produced from a universe containing approximately 500 U.S. dollar-denominated, AA-graded corporate bonds, all of which were noncallable (or callable with make-whole provisions), and excluding the 10% of the bonds with the highest yields and the 10% with the lowest yields within each maturity group. The discount rate was then developed as the level-equivalent rate that would produce the same present value as that using spot rates to discount the projected benefit payments. For international plans, the discount rate is aligned to corporate bond yields in the local markets, normally AA-rated corporations. The process and selection seeks to approximate the cash inflows with the timing and amounts of the expected benefit payments.
Accumulated Benefit Obligation
The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
		U.S. Plans								International Plans
		December 31								December 31
(In millions)		2013				2012				2013			2012
Accumulated benefit obligation		$	283.5			$	316.4			$	950.7		$	1,055.70
Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets
The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		U.S. Plans								International Plans
(In millions)		December 31				December 31				December 31			December 31
		2013				2012				2013			2012
Projected benefit obligation		$	274.8			$	306.5			$	926.8		$	1,040.40
Accumulated benefit obligation		274.8				306.5				923.9			1,029.40
Fair value of plan assets		222.6				207.7				737.6			749.6
The asset allocations attributable to the Company's U.S. defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the long-term target allocation of plan assets, by asset category, are as follows:
		Target Long-Term		Percentage of Plan Assets at
		Allocation		December 31
U.S. Plans Asset Category				2013			2012
Domestic equity securities		34%-44%		41.8	%		38	%
International equity securities		14%-24%		19.5	%		19.7	%
Fixed income securities		27%-37%		25.9	%		30.5	%
Cash and cash equivalents		Less than 5%		3.2	%		2.3	%
Other		5%-15%		9.6	%		9.5	%
Plan assets are allocated among various categories of equities, fixed income securities and cash and cash equivalents with professional investment managers whose performance is actively monitored. The primary investment objective is long-term growth of assets in order to meet present and future benefit obligations. The Company periodically conducts an asset/liability modeling study and accordingly adjusts investments among and within asset categories to ensure the long-term investment strategy is aligned with the profile of benefit obligations.
The Company reviews the long-term expected return on asset assumption on a periodic basis taking into account a variety of factors including the historical investment returns achieved over a long-term period, the targeted allocation of plan assets and future expectations based on a model of asset returns for an actively managed portfolio. The model simulates 1,000 different capital market results over 20 years. For both 2014 and 2013, the expected return-on-asset assumption for U.S. plans was 7.5% .
The U.S. defined benefit pension plans assets include 450,000 shares of the Company's common stock valued at $12.6 million at December 31, 2013 and 450,000 shares of the Company's common stock valued at $10.6 million at December 31, 2012. These shares represented 5.4% and 4.8% of total plan assets at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Dividends paid to the pension plans on the Company's common stock amounted to $0.4 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011.
The asset allocations attributable to the Company's international defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2013 and 2012 and the long-term target allocation of plan assets, by asset category, are as follows:
International Plans Asset Category		Target Long-Term			Percentage of Plan Assets at
		Allocation			December 31
					2013			2012
Equity securities		37.5	%		38.5	%		34.5	%
Fixed income securities		42.5	%		42	%		48	%
Cash and cash equivalents		—			0.3	%		0.2	%
Other		20	%		19.2	%		17.3	%
Plan assets at December 31, 2013 in the U.K. defined benefit pension plan amounted to 94% of the international pension assets. These assets are allocated among various categories of equities, fixed income securities and cash and cash equivalents with professional investment managers whose performance is actively monitored. The primary investment objective is long-term growth of assets in order to meet present and future benefit obligations. The Company periodically conducts asset/liability modeling studies and accordingly adjusts investment amounts within asset categories to ensure the long-term investment strategy is aligned with the profile of benefit obligations.
For the international long-term rate of return assumption, the Company considered the current level of expected returns in risk-free investments (primarily government bonds), the historical level of the risk premium associated with other asset classes in which the portfolio is invested and the expectations for future returns of each asset class and plan expenses. The expected return for each asset class was then weighted based on the target asset allocation to develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets. For both 2014 and 2013, the expected return on asset assumption for the U.K. plan was 6.8%. The remaining international pension plans, with assets representing 6% of the international pension assets, are under the guidance of professional investment managers and have similar investment objectives.
The fair values of the Company's U.S. pension plans' assets at December 31, 2013 by asset class are as follows:
(In thousands)		Total				Level 1				Level 2			Level 3
Domestic equities:
Common stocks		$	48,915			$	48,915			$	—		$	—
Mutual funds—equities		48,807				13,204				35,603			—
International equities—mutual funds		45,475				45,475				—			—
Fixed income investments:
U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities		18,787				—				18,787			—
Corporate bonds and notes		8,374				8,374				—			—
Mutual funds—bonds		33,326				33,326				—			—
Other—mutual funds		22,508				22,508				—			—
Cash and money market accounts		7,387				7,387				—			—
Total		$	233,579			$	179,189			$	54,390		$	—
The fair values of the Company's international pension plans' assets at December 31, 2013 by asset class are as follows:
(In thousands)		Total				Level 1				Level 2			Level 3
Equity securities:
Mutual funds—equities		$	296,980			$	—			$	296,980		$	—
Fixed income investments:
Mutual funds—bonds		314,965				—				314,965			—
Insurance contracts		8,797				—				8,797			—
Other:
Real estate funds/limited partnerships		52,733				—				32,310			20,423
Other mutual funds		94,980				—				94,980			—
Cash and money market accounts		2,456				2,456							—
Total		$	770,911			$	2,456			$	748,032		$	20,423
The fair values of the Company's U.S. pension plans' assets at December 31, 2012 by asset class are as follows:
(In thousands)		Total				Level 1				Level 2			Level 3
Domestic equities:
Common stocks		$	42,142			$	42,142			$	—		$	—
Mutual funds—equities		40,727				11,110				29,617			—
International equities—mutual funds		42,962				37,651				5,311			—
Fixed income investments:
U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities		22,625				—				22,625			—
Corporate bonds and notes		7,539				7,539				—			—
Mutual funds—bonds		36,447				36,447				—			—
Other—mutual funds		20,667				20,667				—			—
Cash and money market accounts		4,975				4,975				—			—
Total		$	218,084			$	160,531			$	57,553		$	—
The fair values of the Company's international pension plans' assets at December 31, 2012 by asset class are as follows:
(In thousands)		Total				Level 1				Level 2			Level 3
Equity securities:
Mutual funds—equities		$	269,789			$	—			$	269,789		$	—
Fixed income investments:
Mutual funds—bonds		309,274				—				309,274			—
Insurance contracts		66,900				—				66,900			—
Other:
Real estate funds / limited partnerships		49,007				—				31,261			17,746
Other mutual funds		86,537				—				86,537			—
Cash and money market accounts		1,552				1,552				—			—
Total		$	783,059			$	1,552			$	763,761		$	17,746
The following table summarizes changes in the fair value of Level 3 assets for 2012 and 2013:
Level 3 Asset Changes for the Twelve Months Ended December 31
(In thousands)		2013				2012				2011
Real Estate Limited Partnership:
Balance at beginning of year		$	17,746			$	12,025			$	10,184
Contributions to partnership		838				2,535				5,697
Cash distributions received		(1,380		)		(1,270		)		(333		)
Actual return on plan assets:
Related to asset still held at end of year		3,219				4,456				(3,523		)
Balance at end of year		$	20,423			$	17,746			$	12,025
Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for the plans' investments measured at fair value:
•	Level 1 Fair Value Measurements—Investments in interest-bearing cash are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. The fair values of money market accounts and certain mutual funds are based on quoted net asset values of the shares held by the Plan at year-end. The fair values of domestic and international stocks and corporate bonds, notes and convertible debentures are valued at the closing price reported in the active market on which the individual securities are traded.
•	Level 2 Fair Value Measurements—The fair values of investments in mutual funds for which quoted net asset values in an active market are not available are valued by the investment advisor based on the current market values of the underlying assets of the mutual fund based on information reported by the investment consistent with audited financial statements of the mutual fund. Further information concerning these mutual funds may be obtained from their separate audited financial statements. Investments in U.S. Treasury notes and collateralized securities are valued based on yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings.
•	Level 3 Fair Value Measurements—Real estate limited partnership interests are valued by the general partners based on the underlying assets. The limited partnership interests are valued using unobservable inputs and have been classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Multiemployer Plans
The Company contributes to numerous multiemployer pension plans under the terms of collective-bargaining agreements that cover its union-represented employees, many of whom are temporary in nature. The risks of participating in multiemployer pension plans differ from traditional company-sponsored defined benefit plans as follows:
•	Assets contributed to a multiemployer pension plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to the employees of other participating employers;
•	When a participating employer stops contributing to a multiemployer pension plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan become the responsibility of the remaining participating employers, subject to any exemptions that may apply; and
•	If the Company elects to stop participation in a multiemployer pension plan, the Company may be required to pay a withdraw liability which is based upon the underfunded status of the plan.
The Company's participation in multiemployer pension plans for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is outlined below. The Company considers significant plans to be those plans to which the Company contributed more than 5% of total contributions to the plan in a given plan year and for which the Company remains liable for the Company's share of the underfunded liability to the plan or for which the Company believes the Company's share of the unfunded liability for the plan may be material to the Company.
(In thousands)
			Pension Protection
			Act Zone Status For				Contributions By The Company															Expiration
			Plan Years Ended				For Plan Years Ended (a)															Date of
																		Subject to				Collective-
																		Financial				Bargaining
	Identification																	Improvement		Surcharge		Agreement
Pension Fund	Number		2012		2011		2013				2012			2011				Plan		Imposed
Significant multiemployer plans for which plan financial information is not publicly available outside the Company's financial statements:
New Zealand Steel Pension Fund	018-054-531		N/A		N/A		$	886			$	909		$	891			Yes		No		2016
Summary aggregate information for multiemployer plans which are not individually significant:
All other multiemployer plans (b)							17,007				14,905			19,390
Total Contributions							$	17,893			$	15,814		$	20,281
(a)	These amounts represent either contributions for the plan year as confirmed by plan sponsors or the Company's estimates based on its fiscal year accounts payable records which will be updated as confirmation is received from plan sponsors.
(b)	Activity related to the Cumberland MD Vicinity Building Construction Employees Trust Fund, Greater Pennsylvania Carpenters' Pension Fund, and Ohio Carpenters' Pension Plan is now included in the caption All other multiemployer plans. These plans were part of the Infrastructure transaction and the Company is no longer liable for the underfunded liabilities of the plans.
For plan years ended 2013 and 2012, the Company contributed more than 5% of the total contributions to the New Zealand Steel Pension Fund. The New Zealand Steel Pension Fund is a defined benefit superannuation scheme registered in New Zealand under the Superannuation Schemes Act of 1989 to provide retirement benefits to the salaried employees of the New Zealand Steel United Group of companies. The New Zealand Steel Pension Fund financial statements for the years ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 indicated total assets of $276.1 million and $252.5 million, respectively; total actuarial present value of accumulated plan benefits of $302.4 million and $283.7 million, respectively; and total contributions for all participating employers of $13.3 million and $10.6 million, respectively.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations consists of the following:
	(In thousands)	2013				2012				2011
	United States	$	(26,855	)		$	40,411			$	47,680
	International	(156,477		)		(258,906		)		(6,015		)
	Total income (loss) before income taxes and equity income	$	(183,332	)		$	(218,495	)		$	41,665
	Income tax expense as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations consists of the following:
	(In thousands)	2013				2012				2011
	Income tax expense (benefit):
	Currently payable:
	U.S. federal	$	10,949			$	22,603			$	4,249
	U.S. state	1,375				1,561				913
	International	41,015				21,795				23,860
	Total income taxes currently payable	53,339				45,959				29,022
	Deferred U.S. federal	(17,341		)		(3,831		)		670
	Deferred U.S. state	401				(843		)		503
	Deferred international	(1,487		)		(6,034		)		19,653
	Total income tax expense	$	34,912			$	35,251			$	49,848
	Cash payments for income taxes, including taxes on the gain or loss from discontinued business, were $44.4 million, $42.6 million and $42.3 million for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	The following is a reconciliation of the normal expected statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate as a percentage of Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations:
		2013			2012			2011
	U.S. federal income tax rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	U.S. state income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	0.5			(0.1	)		2.9
	U.S. domestic manufacturing deductions and credits	2.6			1.7			(9.6	)
	Tax costs of repatriation from the Infrastructure transaction	(7.2	)		—			—
	Difference in effective tax rates on international earnings and remittances	0.2			(0.7	)		(11.7	)
	Uncertain tax position contingencies and settlements	3			2.5			(18.0	)
	Changes in realization on beginning of the year deferred tax assets	(11.0	)		(1.8	)		89.1
	Restructuring charges with no realizable tax benefits	—			(9.8	)		23
	U.S. nondeductible items	(1.6	)		(0.7	)		6
	Loss from disposal from the Infrastructure transaction	(40.9	)		—			—
	Non-deductible goodwill impairment	—			(42.5	)		—
	Cumulative effect of change in statutory tax rates/laws	0.3			0.1			3.5
	Other, net	0.1			0.2			(0.6	)
	Effective income tax rate	(19.0	)%		(16.1	)%		119.6	%
	The effective income tax rate changed between 2013 and 2012 primarily due to the jurisdictional mix of the $271.3 million estimated loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment recorded in 2013 on the Infrastructure transaction compared with $265.0 million non-deductible goodwill impairment charges recorded during 2012, tax expense recorded for valuation allowances on deferred tax assets within certain foreign jurisdictions that Infrastructure operates, and for the tax costs of repatriation from the Infrastructure transaction. The effective income tax rate changed between 2012 and 2011 primarily due to lower earnings from continuing operations, a non-deductible goodwill impairment charge of $265.0 million for which the Company has no tax basis as a result of historical stock acquisitions, and a change in the realizability of beginning of the year deferred tax assets of $37.3 million primarily related to the Company's U.K. deferred tax assets on its U.K. pension obligations recorded in 2011 and not repeated in 2012.
	The tax effects of the temporary differences giving rise to the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
		2013								2012
	(In thousands)	Asset				Liability				Asset			Liability
	Depreciation and amortization	$	—			$	35,378			$	—		$	99,219
	Expense accruals	28,550				—				38,595			—
	Inventories	3,592				—				2,649			—
	Provision for receivables	752				—				1,677			—
	Deferred revenue	—				1,764				—			2,014
	Operating loss carryforwards	86,236				—				99,475			—
	Foreign tax credit carryforwards	16,085				—				24,223			—
	Capital loss carryforwards	3,177				—				—			—
	Pensions	81,564				—				104,413			—
	Currency adjustments	27,536				—				26,661			—
	Equity investment in Infrastructure strategic venture	—				28,965				—			—
	Unit adjustment liability	39,335				—				—			—
	Post-retirement benefits	1,013				—				1,160			—
	Other	6,159				—				25,324			—
	Subtotal	293,999				66,107				324,177			101,233
	Valuation allowance	(127,164		)		—				(126,532		)	—
	Total deferred income taxes	$	166,835			$	66,107			$	197,645		$	101,233
	The deferred tax asset and liability balances recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
	(In thousands)	2013				2012
	Other current assets	$	44,315			$	45,672
	Other assets	65,105				70,271
	Other current liabilities	475				651
	Deferred income taxes	8,217				18,880
	At December 31, 2013, the tax-effected amount of net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs") totaled $86.2 million. Tax-effected NOLs from international operations are $77.4 million. Of that amount, $55.5 million can be carried forward indefinitely, and $21.9 million will expire at various times between 2014 and 2031. Tax-effected U.S. state NOLs are $8.8 million. Of that amount, $0.2 million expire at various times between 2014 and 2018, $3.6 million expire at various times between 2019 and 2023, $2.1 million expire at various times between 2024 and 2028, and $2.9 million expire at various times between 2029 and 2033. At December 31, 2013, the tax-effected amount of capital loss carryforwards totaled $3.2 million which expire in 2018.
The valuation allowances of $127.2 million and $126.5 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related principally to deferred tax assets for U.K. pension liabilities, NOLs, capital losses, currency translation and foreign investment tax credits that are uncertain as to realizability. In 2013, the Company recorded a net increase in the valuation allowance of $9.4 million related to the Infrastructure transaction and $7.1 million related to losses in certain jurisdictions that the Company determined it is more-likely-than not that these assets will not be realized. This was offset by a $15.8 million reduction in valuation allowance related to U.K. pension and currency translation adjustments recorded through Accumulated other comprehensive loss. Additionally in 2012, due to the negative financial performance of the Company's U.K. operations and restructuring charges, the Company recorded a non-cash tax expense of approximately $6.1 million to recognize a valuation allowance to fully offset the U.K. operations' net deferred tax assets primarily related to U.K. pension liabilities and losses from operations, as the Company determined it is more-likely-than-not that these assets will not be realized.
The Company has not provided U.S. income taxes on certain of its non-U.S. subsidiaries' undistributed earnings as such amounts are indefinitely reinvested outside the United States. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, such earnings were approximately $815 million and $882 million, respectively. If these earnings were repatriated at December 31, 2013, the one-time tax cost associated with the repatriation would be approximately $159 million.
The Company had a tax holiday in Asia that expired in 2012. The Company no longer has tax holidays in Europe and the Middle East as they have all expired. During 2011, tax holidays in Asia, Europe and the Middle East resulted in a reduction of $0.1 million in income tax expense, while during 2012 and 2013 these tax holidays resulted in no change to income tax expense.
The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalty expense related to unrecognized income tax benefits in income tax expense. During 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recognized an income tax benefit of $3.1 million, $1.8 million and $1.0 million, respectively, for interest and penalties. The Company has accrued $4.9 million and $8.0 million for the payment of interest and penalties at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
A reconciliation of the change in the unrecognized income tax benefits balance from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2013 is as follows:
(In thousands)	Unrecognized				Deferred				Unrecognized
	Income Tax				Income Tax				Income Tax
	Benefits				Benefits				Benefits, Net of
									Deferred Income
									Tax Benefits
Balances, January 1, 2011	$	35,889			$	(738	)		$	35,151
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	2,534				(10		)		2,524
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	4,014				(11		)		4,003
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	(147		)		—				(147		)
Statutes of limitation expirations	(8,521		)		224				(8,297		)
Settlements	(361		)		18				(343		)
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	33,408			$	(517	)		$	32,891
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	584				(8		)		576
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	37				2				39
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	(3,987		)		—				(3,987		)
Statutes of limitation expirations	(5,124		)		154				(4,970		)
Settlements	—				—				—
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	24,918			$	(369	)		$	24,549
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	500				(5		)		495
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	145				(4		)		141
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	(3,050		)		—				(3,050		)
Statutes of limitation expirations	(3,348		)		180				(3,168		)
Settlements	(1,616		)		—				(1,616		)
Total unrecognized income tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate at December 31, 2013	$	17,549			$	(198	)		$	17,351
Included in the additions for tax positions related to the current year for 2013 is approximately $0.1 million of unrecognized tax benefits that created additional operating losses in a foreign jurisdiction. To the extent the unrecognized tax benefit is recognized, a full valuation allowance would be recorded against these operating losses.
Included in the other reductions for tax positions related to prior years for 2013 is $3.1 million of previously unrecognized tax benefits, of which $1.5 million were recognized in 2013 as a result of closure of various foreign income tax examinations, $1.4 million were transferred as part of the Infrastructure transaction and $0.2 million related to adjustments to other prior year tax positions. These benefits were previously deemed to not meet the more-likely-than-not standard.
Within the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that up to $2.3 million of unrecognized income tax benefits will be recognized upon settlement of tax examinations and the expiration of various statutes of limitations
The Company files its income tax returns as prescribed by the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S and international income tax examinations by tax authorities through 2006.
The Company was contacted by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service to audit the Company's 2010 income tax return.  The Internal Revenue Service commenced its audit during the second quarter of 2013.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Environmental
	The Company is involved in a number of environmental remediation investigations and cleanups and, along with other companies, has been identified as a "potentially responsible party" for certain waste disposal sites. While each of these matters is subject to various uncertainties, it is probable that the Company will agree to make payments toward funding certain of these activities and it is possible that some of these matters will be decided unfavorably to the Company. The Company has evaluated its potential liability, and its financial exposure is dependent upon such factors as the continuing evolution of environmental laws and regulatory requirements, the availability and application of technology, the allocation of cost among potentially responsible parties, the years of remedial activity required and the remediation methods selected. The Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2013 and 2012 include accruals in Other current liabilities of $1.2 million and $1.9 million, respectively, for environmental matters. The amounts charged against pre-tax income related to environmental matters totaled $1.7 million, $1.2 million and $2.0 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	The Company evaluates its liability for future environmental remediation costs on a quarterly basis. Although actual costs to be incurred at identified sites in future periods may vary from the estimates (given inherent uncertainties in evaluating environmental exposures), the Company does not expect that any costs that are reasonably possible to be incurred by the Company in connection with environmental matters in excess of the amounts accrued would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	Brazilian Tax Disputes
	The Company is involved in a number of tax disputes with federal, state and municipal tax authorities in Brazil. These disputes are at various stages of the legal process, including the administrative review phase and the collection action phase, and include assessments of fixed amounts of principal and penalties, plus interest charges that increase at statutorily determined amounts per month and are assessed on the aggregate amount of the principal and penalties. In addition, the losing party at the collection action or court of appeals phase could be subject to a charge to cover statutorily mandated legal fees, which are generally calculated as a percentage of the total assessed amounts due, inclusive of penalty and interest. A large number of the claims relate to value-added ("ICMS"), services and social security ("INSS") tax disputes. The largest proportion of the assessed amounts relate to ICMS claims filed by the State Revenue Authorities from the State of São Paulo, Brazil (the "SPRA"), encompassing the period from January 2002 to May 2005.
	In October 2009, the Company received notification of the SPRA's final administrative decision regarding the levying of ICMS in the State of São Paulo in relation to services provided to a customer in the State between January 2004 and May 2005. As of December 31, 2013, the principal amount of the tax assessment from the SPRA with regard to this case is approximately $3 million, with penalty, interest and fees assessed to date increasing such amount by an additional $27 million. Any change in the aggregate amount since the Company's last Annual Report on Form 10-K is due to an increase in assessed interest and statutorily mandated legal fees for the year. All such amounts include the effect of foreign currency translation.
	Another ICMS tax case involving the SPRA refers to the tax period from January 2002 to December 2003, and is still pending at the administrative phase, where the aggregate amount assessed by the tax authorities in August 2005 was $10.6 million (the amounts with regard to this claim are valued as of the date of the assessment since it has not yet reached the collection phase), composed of a principal amount of $2.5 million, with penalty and interest assessed through that date increasing such amount by an additional $8.1 million. All such amounts include the effect of foreign currency translation.
	The Company continues to believe that it is not probable it will incur a loss for these assessments by the SPRA. The Company also continues to believe that sufficient coverage for these claims exists as a result of the Company's customer's indemnification obligations and such customer's pledge of assets in connection with the October 2009 notice, as required by Brazilian procedure.
	The Company intends to continue its practice of vigorously defending itself against these tax claims under various alternatives, including judicial appeal. The Company will continue to evaluate its potential liability with regard to these claims on a quarterly basis; however, it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of these tax-related disputes in Brazil. No loss provision has been recorded in the Company's consolidated financial statements because the loss contingency is not deemed probable, and the Company does not expect that any costs that are reasonably possible to be incurred by the Company in connection with Brazilian tax disputes would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	Other
	In the United States, the Company has been named as one of many defendants (approximately 90 or more in most cases) in legal actions alleging personal injury from exposure to airborne asbestos over the past several decades. In their suits, the plaintiffs have named as defendants, among others, many manufacturers, distributors and installers of numerous types of equipment or products that allegedly contained asbestos.
	The Company believes that the claims against it are without merit. The Company has never been a producer, manufacturer or processor of asbestos fibers. Any component within a Company product that may have contained asbestos would have been purchased from a supplier. Based on scientific and medical evidence, the Company believes that any asbestos exposure arising from normal use of any Company product never presented any harmful levels of airborne asbestos exposure, and, moreover, the type of asbestos contained in any component that was used in those products was protectively encapsulated in other materials and is not associated with the types of injuries alleged in the pending suits. Finally, in most of the depositions taken of plaintiffs to date in the litigation against the Company, plaintiffs have failed to specifically identify any Company products as the source of their asbestos exposure.
	The majority of the asbestos complaints pending against the Company have been filed in New York. Almost all of the New York complaints contain a standard claim for damages of $20 million or $25 million against the approximately 90 defendants, regardless of the individual plaintiff's alleged medical condition, and without specifically identifying any Company product as the source of plaintiff's asbestos exposure.
	At December 31, 2013, there were 17,572 pending asbestos personal injury claims filed against the Company. Of these cases, 17,135 were pending in the New York Supreme Court for New York County in New York State. The other claims, totaling 437, were filed in various counties in a number of state courts, and in certain Federal District Courts (including New York), and those complaints generally assert lesser amounts of damages than the New York State court cases or do not state any amount claimed.
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company has obtained dismissal by stipulation, or summary judgment prior to trial, in 27,148 cases.
	In view of the persistence of asbestos litigation nationwide, the Company expects to continue to receive additional claims. However, there have been developments during the past several years, both by certain state legislatures and by certain state courts, which could favorably affect the Company's ability to defend these asbestos claims in those jurisdictions. These developments include procedural changes, docketing changes, proof of damage requirements and other changes that require plaintiffs to follow specific procedures in bringing their claims and to show proof of damages before they can proceed with their claim. An example is the action taken by the New York Supreme Court (a trial court), which is responsible for managing all asbestos cases pending within New York County in the State of New York. This Court issued an order in December 2002 that created a Deferred or Inactive Docket for all pending and future asbestos claims filed by plaintiffs who cannot demonstrate that they have a malignant condition or discernible physical impairment, and an Active or In Extremis Docket for plaintiffs who are able to show such medical condition. As a result of this order, the majority of the asbestos cases filed against the Company in New York County have been moved to the Inactive Docket until such time as the plaintiffs can show that they have incurred a physical impairment. At December 31, 2013, the Company has been listed as a defendant in 187 Active or In Extremis asbestos cases in New York County. The Court's Order has been challenged by some plaintiffs.
	Except with regard to the legal costs in a few limited, exceptional cases, the Company's insurance carrier has paid all legal and settlement costs and expenses to date related to the Company's U.S. asbestos cases. The Company has liability insurance coverage under various primary and excess policies that the Company believes will be available, if necessary, to substantially cover any liability that might ultimately be incurred on these claims.
	The Company intends to continue its practice of vigorously defending these claims and cases. It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of asbestos-related lawsuits, claims and proceedings due to the unpredictable nature of personal injury litigation, and no loss provision has been recorded in the Company's consolidated financial statements because a loss contingency is not deemed probable or estimable. Despite this uncertainty, and although results of operations and cash flows for a given period could be adversely affected by asbestos-related lawsuits, claims and proceedings, the Company does not expect that any costs that are reasonably possible to be incurred by the Company in connection with asbestos litigation would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	The Company is subject to various other claims and legal proceedings covering a wide range of matters that arose in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, all such matters are adequately covered by insurance or by established reserves, and, if not so covered, are without merit or are of such kind, or involve such amounts, as would not have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.
	Insurance liabilities are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred for a particular event and the amount of loss associated with the event can be reasonably estimated. Insurance reserves have been estimated based primarily upon actuarial calculations and reflect the undiscounted estimated liabilities for ultimate losses, including claims incurred but not reported. Inherent in these estimates are assumptions that are based on the Company's history of claims and losses, a detailed analysis of existing claims with respect to potential value, and current legal and legislative trends. If actual claims differ from those projected by management, changes (either increases or decreases) to insurance reserves may be required and would be recorded through income in the period the change was determined. When a recognized liability is covered by third-party insurance, the Company records an insurance claim receivable to reflect the covered liability. Insurance claim receivables are included in Other receivables on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013 for additional information on Accrued Insurance and Loss Reserves.

Capital_Stock

Capital Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Capital Stock	'
	Capital Stock
	The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 150,000,000 shares of common stock and 4,000,000 shares of preferred stock, both having a par value of $1.25 per share. The preferred stock is issuable in series with terms as fixed by the Board of Directors (the "Board"). No preferred stock has been issued. Under the Company's Preferred Stock Purchase Rights Agreement (the "Agreement"), the Board authorized and declared a dividend distribution of one right for each share of common stock outstanding on the record date. The rights may only be exercised if, among other things and with certain exceptions, a person or group has acquired 15% or more of the Company's common stock without the prior approval of the Board. Each right entitles the holder to purchase 1/100th share of Harsco Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $230. Once the rights become exercisable, the holder of a right will be entitled, upon payment of the exercise price, to purchase a number of shares of common stock calculated to have a value of two times the exercise price of the right. The rights expire on October 9, 2017, do not have voting power, and may be redeemed by the Company at a price of $0.001 per right at any time until the 10th business day following public announcement that a person or group has accumulated 15% or more of the Company's common stock. The Agreement also includes an exchange feature. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, 806,789 and 805,846 shares, respectively, of $1.25 par value preferred stock were reserved for issuance upon exercise of the rights.
	The Board has authorized the repurchase of shares of common stock as follows:
		Shares Authorized			Additional Shares			Shares			Remaining Shares
		to be Purchased			Authorized for			Purchased			Authorized for
		January 1			Purchase						Purchase
											December 31
	2011	2,000,000			—			286,577			1,713,423
	2012	1,713,423			—			—			1,713,423
	2013	1,713,423			286,577			—			2,000,000
	At December 31, 2013, 2,000,000 shares remained available for repurchase under the Company's share repurchase program. On January 28, 2014, the Board reauthorized the number of shares available for repurchase under the Company's share repurchase program and extended the program for an additional year. As a result, the Company is currently authorized to repurchase up to 2,000,000 shares through January 31, 2015. When and if appropriate, repurchases are made in open market transactions, depending on market conditions. Share repurchases may not occur and may be discontinued at any time.
	The following table summarizes the Company's common stock:
		Common Stock
		Shares			Treasury			Outstanding
		Issued			Shares (a)			Shares
	Outstanding, January 1, 2011	111,611,102			31,097,043			80,514,059
	Stock options exercised	199,032			41,974			157,058
	Vested restricted stock units	121,133			28,503			92,630
	Treasury shares purchased	—			286,577			(286,577	)
	Outstanding, December 31, 2011	111,931,267			31,454,097			80,477,170
	Stock options exercised	38,900			—			38,900
	Vested restricted stock units	45,898			14,677			31,221
	Other stock grants	47,873			10,536			37,337
	Outstanding, December 31, 2012	112,063,938			31,479,310			80,584,628
	Stock options exercised	20,000			—			20,000
	Vested restricted stock units	25,215			9,358			15,857
	Stock appreciation rights exercised	2,713			521			2.192
	Other stock grants	86,827			30,579			56,248
	Outstanding, December 31, 2013	112,198,693			31,519,768			80,678,925
	(a) The Company repurchases shares in connection with the issuance of shares under stock-based compensation programs.
	The following is a reconciliation of the average shares of common stock used to compute basic earnings per common share to the shares used to compute diluted earnings per common share as shown in the Consolidated Statements of Operations:
	(In thousands, except per share data)	2013				2012				2011
	Loss from continuing operations attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$	(226,449	)		$	(253,693	)		$	(9,447	)
	Weighted-average shares outstanding—basic	80,755				80,632				80,736
	Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation	—				—				—
	Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted	80,755				80,632				80,736
	Loss from continuing operations per common share, attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
	Basic	$	(2.80	)		$	(3.15	)		$	(0.12	)
	Diluted	$	(2.80	)		$	(3.15	)		$	(0.12	)
	The following average outstanding stock-based compensation units were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect was antidilutive:
	(In thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Restricted stock units	265			148			64
	Stock options	286			389			755
	Stock appreciation rights	1,078			530			—
	Other stock-based compensation units	101			317			554

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation
	The 2013 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 6,800,000 shares of the Company's common stock for use in paying incentive compensation awards in the form of stock options or other equity awards such as restricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs") or stock appreciation rights ("SARs"). Of the 6,800,000 shares authorized, a maximum of 3,400,000 shares may be issued for awards other than option rights or SARs, as defined in the plan. The 1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 600,000 shares of the Company's common stock for equity awards. Both plans have been approved by the Company's stockholders. At December 31, 2013, there were 6,019,212 shares available for granting equity awards under the 2013 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan, of which 3,271,831 shares were available for awards other than option rights or SARs. At December 31, 2013, there were 143,903 shares available for granting under the 1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan.
	Restricted Stock Units
	The Board approves the granting of performance-based RSUs as the long-term equity component of director, officer and certain key employee compensation. The RSUs require no payment from the recipient and compensation cost is measured based on the market price on the grant date and is generally recorded over the vesting period. The vesting period for RSUs granted to non-employee directors is one year, and each restricted stock unit is exchanged for a like number of shares of Company stock following the termination of the participant's service as a director. Generally, RSUs granted to officers and certain key employees prior to 2012 vest on a pro rata basis over a three-year period, and the specified retirement age is 62. RSUs granted in May of 2013 "cliff" vest at the end of three years, and the specified retirement age is 62. Upon vesting, each restricted stock unit is exchanged for a like number of new shares of the Company's stock. RSUs do not have an option for cash payment.
	The following table summarizes RSUs issued and the compensation expense recorded for 2013, 2012 and 2011:
	Stock-Based Compensation Expense
			Restricted			Weighted Average Fair Value			Expense
	(Dollars in thousands, except per unit)		Stock Units						2013				2012				2011
	Directors:
	2010		16,000			30.99			$	—			$	—			$	165
	2011		20,192			34.79			—				234				468
	2012		30,618			21.44			255				402				—
	2013		46,287			20.6			636				—				—
	Employees:
	2008		130,950			45.95			—				—				68
	2009		121,625			25.98			—				43				626
	2010		26,000			23.78			—				21				383
	2011		17,250			23.55			69				195				140
	2012		141,486			18.75			383				525				—
	2013		170,582			20.63			633				—				—
	Total								$	1,976			$	1,420			$	1,850
	Restricted stock unit activity for 2013, 2012 and 2011 was as follows:
			Restricted			Weighted Average
			Stock Units			Grant-Date
						Fair Value
	Nonvested at January 1, 2011		140,535			$	30.83
	Granted		37,442			29.61
	Vested		(113,136	)		33.55
	Forfeited		(2,200	)		25.15
	Nonvested at December 31, 2011		62,641			25.39
	Granted		172,104			19.23
	Vested		(67,861	)		24.86
	Forfeited		(25,411	)		20.35
	Nonvested at December 31, 2012		141,473			19.19
	Granted		216,869			20.62
	Vested		(69,955	)		20.54
	Forfeited		(74,546	)		22.61
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013		213,841			$	19.95
	At December 31, 2013, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested RSUs was $2.8 million, which will be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately two years.
	Stock Options
	From time to time, the Company may grant incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options to officers, certain key employees and non-employee directors under the plans noted above. The stock options would generally vest three years from the date of grant, which is the date the Board approved the grants, and expire no later than seven years after the date of grant. The exercise price of the stock would be fair value on the grant date. Upon exercise, a new share of Company common stock is issued for each option.
	Stock option activity for 2013, 2012 and 2011 was as follows:
			Shares			Weighted Average				Aggregate
			Under Option			Exercise Price				Intrinsic Value
										(in millions)(a)
	Outstanding, January 1, 2011		273,672			$	16.46			$	3.3
	Granted		617,500			31.75				—
	Exercised		(199,032	)		15.95				—
	Expired		(30,300	)		30.92				—
	Outstanding, December 31, 2011		661,840			30.22				0.2
	Exercised		(38,900	)		18.23				—
	Forfeited/Expired		(294,940	)		31.29				—
	Outstanding, December 31, 2012		328,000			30.67				0.2
	Exercised		(20,000	)		16.96
	Forfeited/Expired		(79,000	)		31
	Outstanding, December 31, 2013		229,000			$	31.75			$	—
	(a)	Intrinsic value is defined as the difference between the current market value and the exercise price, for those options where the market price exceeds the exercise price.
	In January 2011, 617,500 stock options were granted. The Company used a binomial lattice model to estimate the fair value of $10.90 for this stock-based award. The fair value was estimated with the following assumptions: Dividend yield—2.5%; Volatility—40.6%; Risk-free interest rate—0.6%; and Expected life—seven years. These assumptions are based on multiple factors, including the historical volatility of the Company's stock price. The options vest three years from the grant date and expire seven years after the grant date. Compensation expense recognized in 2013 and 2011 totaled $0.2 million and $2.0 million, respectively. There was no compensation expense recognized in 2012. The decrease in compensation expense related for 2013 and 2012 was primarily due to forfeitures.
	At December 31, 2013, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options was less than $0.1 million, which is expected to be recognized in 2014.
	Net cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options totaled $0.4 million, $0.7 million and $2.4 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	The total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $2.2 million, respectively.
	The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable options at December 31, 2013:
			Options Outstanding											Options Exercisable
Range of Exercisable Prices		Vested			Unvested			Weighted Average			Weighted Average		Number			Weighted Average
								Exercise			Remaining		Exercisable			Exercise
								Price Per			Contractual					Price Per
								Share			Life in					Share
											Years
$31.75 - $31.75		80,000			149,000			31.75			4.1		80,000			31.75
At December 31, 2013, outstanding options, substantially all of which are expected to vest, have a weighted-average remaining contractual life of 4.1 years and no intrinsic value. Vested and currently exercisable options have a weighted-average remaining contractual life of 4.1 years and no intrinsic value.
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of unvested options during the year ended December 31, 2013 was as follows:
		Shares Under Option			Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Outstanding, January 1, 2013		304,000			$	10.9
Vested		(80,000	)		10.9
Forfeited		(75,000	)		10.9
Outstanding, December 31, 2013		149,000			$	10.9
Stock Appreciation Rights
The Company may grant SARs to officers under the 2013 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan.  The SARs would generally vest on a pro-rata basis from one to five years from the date of grant, and expire no later than ten years after the date of grant, and the specified retirement age is 62.  SARs require no cash payment from the recipient.  The exercise price of the SAR would be fair value on the grant date.  Upon exercise, a new share of Company stock is issued based on the increase in the fair value of the stock over the exercise price of the SAR.  SARs do not have an option for cash payment.
During 2012, the Company issued SARs covering 318,452 shares in March, 345,502 shares in May and 43,058 shares in September under the 1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan to officers and key executive employees. During 2013, SARs covering 903,814 shares, 5,018 shares and 15,000 shares were issued in May, June and November, respectively, under the 2013 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan.
The fair value of each SAR grant was estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions:
		March 2012 Grant				May 2012 Grant				September 2012 Grant				May 2013 Grant				June 2013 Grant			November 2013 Grant
Risk-free interest rate		1.56		%		1.18		%		1		%		1.17		%		1.41		%	1.91		%
Dividend yield		3.5		%		4.2		%		3.8		%		3.61		%		3.56		%	3.13		%
Expected life (years)		6.5				6.5				6.5				6.5				6.5			6.5
Volatility		43.9		%		44		%		44.3		%		44.1		%		44.1		%	43.8		%
SAR grant price		$	23.73			$	19.65			$	21.37			$	22.7			$	23.03		$	26.22
Fair value of SAR		$	6.1			$	4.77			$	6.2			$	6.86			$	7.07		$	8.6
SARs activity for 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
		SARs
		Number of Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price				Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) (a)
Outstanding, January 1, 2012		—			$	—			$	—
Granted		707,012			21.23
Forfeited/expired		(181,725	)		21.23
Outstanding, December 31, 2012		525,287			21.23				1.2
Granted		923,832			22.76
Exercised		(11,037	)		19.65
Forfeited		(476,624	)		22.28
Outstanding, December 31, 2013		961,458			$	22.2			$	5.6
(a) Intrinsic value is defined as the difference between the current market value and the exercise price, for those SARs where the market price exceeds the exercise price.
The total intrinsic value of SARs exercised during 2013 was $0.1 million. No SARs were exercised in prior years.
The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable SARs at December 31, 2013:
		SARs Outstanding												SARs Exercisable
Range of exercisable prices		Vested			Unvested			Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share				Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years		Number Exercisable			Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share
$19.65 - $22.70		77,576			783,239			$	21.98			9.1		77,576			$	20.47
$23.03 - $26.22		44,377			56,266			24.07				8.5		44,377			23.73
		121,953			839,505			$	22.2			9.1		121,953			$	21.65
At December 31, 2013, outstanding SARs, substantially all of which are expected to vest, have a weighted-average remaining contractual life of 9.1 years and an aggregate intrinsic value of $5.6 million. Vested and currently exercisable SARs have a weighted-average remaining contractual life of 8.5 years and an aggregate intrinsic value of $0.8 million.
At December 31, 2013, total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested SARs was $4.8 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 4.2 years.
Weighted-average grant date fair value of unvested SARs during the year ended December 31, 2013 was as follows:
		Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested shares, January 1, 2013		525,287			$	21.23
Granted		923,832			22.76
Vested		(121,953	)		21.65
Exercised		(11,037	)		19.65
Forfeited		(476,624	)		22.28
Unvested shares, December 31, 2013		839,505			$	22.27
Other Stock Grants
During 2012, the Company issued 43,873 shares to its then Interim Chief Executive Officer as part of his compensation agreement. In addition, 4,000 shares were issued to other employees under incentive award programs. All shares vested immediately and were not subject to any holding period restrictions. Fair value of the grants were based on the market price of Company stock at the grant date. Expense recognized in 2012 for these grants total $1.0 million.
There was a $0.1 million increase, no change and a $1.1 million decrease of excess tax benefits principally from RSUs recognized in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Financial_Instruments

Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

'

Financial Instruments

'

Financial Instruments

Off-Balance Sheet Risk

As collateral for the Company's performance and to insurers, the Company is contingently liable under standby letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees in the amounts of $216.3 million and $208.8 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These standby letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees are generally in force for up to four years. Certain issues have no scheduled expiration date. The Company pays fees to various banks and insurance companies that range from 0.32% to 2.55% per annum of the instruments' face value. If the Company were required to obtain replacement standby letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees at December 31, 2013 for those currently outstanding, it is the Company's opinion that the replacement costs would be within the present fee structure.

The Company has currency exposures in approximately 35 countries. The Company's primary foreign currency exposures during 2013 were in the European Economic and Monetary Union, the United Kingdom and Brazil.

Off-Balance Sheet Risk—Third-Party Guarantees

In connection with the Infrastructure transaction, the Company has outstanding guarantees and letters of credit related to the Harsco Infrastructure Segment that are still in force. These guarantees and letters of credit are provided to enable the legacy business to obtain financing for their operations. The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) related to these guarantees was approximately $19 million at December 31, 2013. These guarantees and letters of credit are expected to be replaced by Brand during 2014. There is no recognition of a liability related to these guarantees or letters of credit as the Company believes that the potential for making any payments is remote and they have been indemnified by Brand as part of the Infrastructure transaction.

The Company provided an environmental indemnification for properties that were sold to a third party in 2007. The maximum term of this guarantee is 20 years, and the Company would be required to perform under the guarantee only if an environmental matter is discovered on the properties. The Company is not aware of environmental issues related to these properties. There is no recognition of this potential future payment in the consolidated financial statements as the Company believes the potential for making this payment is remote.

The Company provided an environmental indemnification for property from a lease that terminated in 2006. The term of this guarantee is indefinite, and the Company would be required to perform under the guarantee only if an environmental matter was discovered on the property relating to the time the Company leased the property. The Company is not aware of any environmental issues related to this property. The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) related to this guarantee is estimated to be $3.0 million at both December 31, 2013 and 2012. There is no recognition of this potential future payment in the consolidated financial statements as the Company believes the potential for making this payment is remote.

Any liabilities related to the Company's obligation to stand ready to act on third-party guarantees are included in Other current liabilities or Other liabilities (as appropriate) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Any recognition of these liabilities did not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations for 2013, 2012 or 2011.

In the normal course of business, the Company provides legal indemnifications related primarily to the performance of its products and services and patent and trademark infringement of its products and services sold. These indemnifications generally relate to the performance (regarding function, not price) of the respective products or services and therefore no liability is recognized related to the fair value of such guarantees.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company uses derivative instruments, including foreign currency forward exchange contracts, commodity contracts and cross currency interest rate swaps, to manage certain foreign currency, commodity price and interest rate exposures. Derivative instruments are viewed as risk management tools by the Company and are not used for trading or speculative purposes.

All derivative instruments are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives used to hedge foreign currency denominated balance sheet items are reported directly in earnings along with offsetting transaction gains and losses on the items being hedged. Derivatives used to hedge forecasted cash flows associated with foreign currency commitments or forecasted commodity purchases may be accounted for as cash flow hedges, as deemed appropriate and if the criteria for hedge accounting are met. Gains and losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are deferred as a separate component of equity and reclassified to earnings in a manner that matches the timing of the earnings impact of the hedged transactions. Generally, at December 31, 2013, these deferred gains and losses will be reclassified to earnings over 10 to 15 years from the balance sheet date. The ineffective portion of all hedges, if any, is recognized currently in earnings.

The fair value of outstanding derivative contracts recorded as assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

(in thousands)

Balance Sheet Location

Fair Value

Balance Sheet Location

Fair Value

31-Dec-13

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts

Other current assets

$

40

Other current liabilities

$

17

Cross currency interest rate swaps

Other assets

26,001

Other liabilities

13,410

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments

$

26,041

$

13,427

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts

Other current assets

$

1,216

Other current liabilities

$

3,267

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

(in thousands)

Balance Sheet Location

Fair Value

Balance Sheet Location

Fair Value

31-Dec-12

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

Cross currency interest rate swaps

Other assets

$

39,058

Other liabilities

$

14,346

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts

Other current assets

$

853

Other current liabilities

$

1,775

All of the Company's derivatives are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at gross amounts and not offset. All of the Company's cross currency interest rate swaps and certain foreign currency forward exchange contracts are transacted under International Swaps and Derivatives Association ("ISDA") documentation. Each ISDA master agreement permits the net settlement of amounts owed in the event of default. The Company's derivative assets and liabilities subject to enforceable master netting arrangements did not result in a net asset or net liability at December 31, 2013. The Company's derivative assets and liabilities subject to enforceable master netting arrangements resulted in a $0.1 million net liability at December 31, 2012.

The effect of derivative instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was as follows:

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

(In thousands)

Amount of

Location of Gain

Amount of

Location of Gain

Amount of

Gain (Loss)

(Loss) Reclassified

Gain (Loss)

(Loss) Recognized

Gain (Loss)

Recognized in

from Accumulated

Reclassified

in Income on

Recognized

Other

OCI into Income—Effective

from

Derivative—Ineffective Portion

in Income

Comprehensive

Portion

Accumulated

and Amount

on Derivative—Ineffective

Income

OCI into

Excluded from

Portion and

("OCI") on

Income—Effective

Effectiveness

Amount

Derivative—Effective

Portion

Testing

Excluded

Portion

from Effectiveness

Testing

Year Ended December 31, 2013:

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts

$

48

Cost of services and products sold

$

(8

)

Cost of services and products sold

$

(6

)

Cross currency interest rate swaps

2,409

—

Cost of services and products sold

(12,061

)

(a)

$

2,457

$

(8

)

$

(12,067

)

Year Ended December 31, 2012:

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts

$

(152

)

Cost of services and products sold

$

270

$

—

Cross currency interest rate swaps

(4,748

)

—

Cost of services and products sold

(13,384

)

(a)

$

(4,900

)

$

270

$

(13,384

)

Year Ended December 31, 2011:

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts

$

887

Cost of services and products sold

$

83

$

—

Cross currency interest rate swaps

7,230

—

Cost of services and products sold

7,642

(a)

$

8,117

$

83

$

7,642

(a)

These gains (losses) offset foreign currency fluctuation effects on the debt principal.

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative

Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative for the Twelve Months Ended December 31(a)

(In thousands)

2013

2012

2011

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts

Cost of services and products sold

$

(10,463

)

$

(3,529

)

$

7,238

(a)

These gains (losses) offset amounts recognized in cost of service and products sold principally as a result of intercompany or third-party foreign currency exposures.

Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts

The Company conducts business in multiple currencies and, accordingly, is subject to the inherent risks associated with foreign exchange rate movements. The financial position and results of operations of substantially all of the Company's foreign subsidiaries are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates existing at the respective balance sheet dates, and income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates during the respective periods. The aggregate effects of translating the balance sheets of these subsidiaries are deferred and recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, which is a separate component of equity.

The Company uses derivative instruments to hedge cash flows related to foreign currency fluctuations. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts outstanding are part of a worldwide program to minimize foreign currency exchange operating income and balance sheet exposure by offsetting foreign currency exposures of certain future payments between the Company and its various subsidiaries, suppliers or customers. The unsecured contracts are with major financial institutions. The Company may be exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the contract counterparties. The Company evaluates the creditworthiness of the counterparties and does not expect default by them. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts are used to hedge commitments, such as foreign currency debt, firm purchase commitments and foreign currency cash flows for certain export sales transactions.

The following tables summarize, by major currency, the contractual amounts of the Company's foreign currency forward exchange contracts in U.S. dollars at December 31, 2013 and 2012. The "Buy" amounts represent the U.S. dollar equivalent of commitments to purchase foreign currencies, and the "Sell" amounts represent the U.S. dollar equivalent of commitments to sell foreign currencies. The recognized gains and losses offset amounts recognized in cost of services and products sold principally as a result of intercompany or third-party foreign currency exposures.

Contracted Amounts of Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts Outstanding at December 31, 2013:

(In thousands)

Type

U.S. Dollar

Maturity

Recognized

Equivalent

Gain (Loss)

British pounds sterling

Sell

$

26,931

Jan-14

$

(277

)

British pounds sterling

Buy

1,976

Jan-14

15

Euros

Sell

248,943

January 2014 through July 2014

(335

)

Euros

Buy

242,385

January 2014 through March 2014

(1,335

)

Other currencies

Sell

12,708

January 2014 through July 2014

(134

)

Other currencies

Buy

8,907

January 2014 through August 2014

38

Total

$

541,850

$

(2,028

)

Included in the contracted amounts of foreign currency exchange forward contracts outstanding at December 31, 2013 are $121.2 million of foreign currency exchange forward contracts entered into by the Company under the Transition Services Agreement with Brand. The Company has recognized a $0.7 million mark-to-market liability associated with these foreign currency exchange forward contracts.

Contracted Amounts of Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts Outstanding at December 31, 2012:

(In thousands)

Type

U.S. Dollar

Maturity

Recognized

Equivalent

Gain (Loss)

British pounds sterling

Sell

$

—

$

—

British pounds sterling

Buy

6,141

January 2013 through February 2013

58

Euros

Sell

264,234

January 2013 through March 2013

(1,082

)

Euros

Buy

116,618

January 2013 through February 2013

187

Other currencies

Sell

2,811

January 2013 through March 2013

(15

)

Other currencies

Buy

44,291

Jan-13

(71

)

Total

$

434,095

$

(923

)

In addition to foreign currency forward exchange contracts, the Company designates certain loans as hedges of net investments in international subsidiaries. The Company recorded pre-tax net losses of $9.8 million and $5.3 million and pre-tax net gains of $6.3 million related to hedges of net investments during 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, in the caption Accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps

The Company uses cross currency interest rate swaps in conjunction with certain debt issuances in order to secure a fixed local currency interest rate. Under these cross currency interest rate swaps, the Company receives interest based on a fixed or floating U.S. dollar rate and pays interest on a fixed local currency rate based on the contractual amounts in dollars and the local currency, respectively. At maturity, there is also the payment of principal amounts between currencies. The cross currency interest rate swaps are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value, with changes in value attributed to the effect of the swaps' interest spread recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss. Changes in value attributed to the effect of foreign currency fluctuations are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and offset currency fluctuation effects on the debt principal. The following table indicates the contractual amounts of the Company's cross currency interest rate swaps:

Contractual

Interest Rates

(In millions)

Amounts

Receive

Pay

Maturing 2018

$

250

Fixed U.S. dollar rate

Fixed euro rate

Maturing 2020

220

Fixed U.S. dollar rate

Fixed British pound sterling rate

Maturing 2013 through 2017

10.2

Floating U.S. dollar rate

Fixed rupee rate

Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities and Other Financial Instruments

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). The Company utilizes market data or assumptions that the Company believes market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique.

The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and (2) an entity's own assumptions about market participant assumptions based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs). The fair value hierarchy consists of three broad levels, which gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

•

Level 1—Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

•

Level 2—Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (e.g., interest rates); and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

•

Level 3—Inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.

In instances in which multiple levels of inputs are used to measure fair value, hierarchy classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

The following table indicates the fair value hierarchy of the financial instruments of the Company at December 31, 2013 and 2012:

Level 2 Fair Value Measurements

December 31

December 31

(In thousands)

2013

2012

Assets

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts

$

1,256

$

853

Cross currency interest rate swaps

26,001

39,058

Liabilities

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts

3,284

1,775

Cross currency interest rate swaps

13,410

14,346

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances for liabilities measured on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) for 2013:

Level 3 Liabilities—Unit Adjustment Liability for the Twelve Months Ended December 31

2013

(In thousands)

Balance at beginning of year

$

—

Recognition of unit adjustment liability

107,500

Payments

(2,123

)

Change in fair value to unit adjustment liability

966

Balance at end of year

$

106,343

See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information related to the unit adjustment liability.

The Company primarily applies the market approach for recurring fair value measurements and endeavors to utilize the best available information. Accordingly, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs, such as forward rates, interest rates, the Company's credit risk and counterparties' credit risks, and which minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The Company is able to classify fair value balances based on the ability to observe those inputs. Commodity derivatives, foreign currency forward exchange contracts and cross currency interest rate swaps are classified as Level 2 fair value based upon pricing models using market-based inputs. Model inputs can be verified, and valuation techniques do not involve significant management judgment.

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the total fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities, was $832.6 million and $1.0 billion, respectively, compared to carrying value of $803.4 million and $960.7 million, respectively. Fair values for debt are based on quoted market prices (Level 1) for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with high-quality financial institutions and, by policy, limits the amount of credit exposure to any single institution.

Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are generally limited in the Harsco Industrial Segments due to the Company's large number of customers and their dispersion across different industries and geographies. However, the Company's Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment and, to a lesser extent, the Harsco Rail Segment have several large customers throughout the world with significant accounts receivable balances. Consolidation in the global steel or rail industries could result in an increase in concentration of credit risk for the Company.

The Company generally does not require collateral or other security to support customer receivables. If a receivable from one or more of the Company's larger customers becomes uncollectible, it could have a material effect on the Company's results of operations or cash flows.

Information_by_Segment_and_Geo

Information by Segment and Geographic Area	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Information by Segment and Georgraphic Area	'
	Information by Segment and Geographic Area
	The Company reports information about its operating segments using the "management approach," which is based on the way management organizes and reports the segments within the enterprise for making operating decisions and assessing performance. The Company's reportable segments are identified based upon differences in products, services and markets served.
	In 2013, the Company had four reportable segments. These segments and the types of products and services offered include the following:
	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
	These businesses provide on-site, outsourced services to steel mills and other metal producers such as aluminum and copper. Services include slag processing; semi-finished inventory management; material handling; scrap management; in-plant transportation; and a variety of other services. Other major products and services include minerals and recycling technologies; environmental solutions for metals and mining customers' waste streams; and granules for asphalt roofing shingles as well as abrasives for industrial surface preparation derived from coal slag. Major customers include steel mills and asphalt roofing manufacturers.
	Harsco Infrastructure Segment
	Historically, major services included project engineering and equipment installation, as well as the sale and rental of scaffolding, shoring and concrete forming systems for industrial maintenance and capital improvement projects, civil infrastructure projects, non-residential construction, and international multi-dwelling residential construction projects. Services were provided to industrial and petrochemical plants; the infrastructure construction, repair and maintenance markets; commercial and industrial construction contractors; and public utilities. As a result of the Infrastructure transaction, this Segment no longer recognizes revenue from operations. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information on the Infrastructure transaction.
	Harsco Rail Segment
	This Segment manufactures railway track maintenance equipment and provides track maintenance services. The major customers include private and government-owned railroads and urban mass transit systems worldwide.
	Harsco Industrial Segment
	Major products include industrial grating; air-cooled heat exchangers; and boilers and water heaters. Major customers include industrial plants and the non-residential, commercial and public construction and retrofit markets; and the natural gas exploration and processing industry.
	Other Information
	The measurement basis of segment profit or loss is operating income (loss). There are no significant inter-segment sales. Corporate assets include principally cash, prepaid taxes, fair value of derivative instruments and U.S. deferred income taxes. Countries with revenues from unaffiliated customers or net property, plant and equipment of ten percent or more of the consolidated totals (in at least one period presented) are as follows:
	Information by Geographic Area (a)
			Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers
			Year Ended December 31
	(In thousands)		2013			2012			2011
	United States		$	1,021,770		$	1,108,051		$	1,087,454
	United Kingdom		353,915			331,894			398,222
	All Other		1,520,835			1,606,073			1,817,064
	Totals including Corporate		$	2,896,520		$	3,046,018		$	3,302,740
	(a)	Revenues are attributed to individual countries based on the location of the facility generating the revenue.
			Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
			Balances at December 31
	(In thousands)		2013			2012			2011
	United States		$	147,820		$	242,890		$	276,966
	China		86,822			55,656			21,700
	All Other		476,704			967,679			975,818
	Totals including Corporate		$	711,346		$	1,266,225		$	1,274,484
	In 2013, 2012 and 2011, sales to one customer, ArcelorMittal, principally in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, were $268.6 million, $283.3 million and $361.9 million, respectively. For 2011, this amount represented more than 10% of the Company's consolidated revenues. These revenues were provided under multiple long-term contracts at several mill sites. In addition, the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment is dependent largely on the global steel industry, and in 2013, 2012 and 2011 there were two customers, including ArcelorMittal, that each provided in excess of 10% of this Segment's revenues under multiple long-term contracts at several mill sites. The loss of any one of these contracts would not have a material adverse impact upon the Company's financial position or cash flows; however, it could have a material effect on quarterly or annual results of operations. Additionally, consolidation in the global steel industry has increased the Company's exposure to these customers. Should additional consolidations occur involving some of the steel industry's larger companies which are customers of the Company, it would result in an increase in concentration of credit risk for the Company.
	In 2013 and 2011, the Harsco Rail Segment had two customers and in 2012 one customer that provided in excess of 10% of the Segments' revenues. In 2013, 2012, and 2011, the Harsco Industrial Segment had one customer that provided in excess of 10% of the Segment's revenues. The loss of any of these customers would not have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial positions or cash flows.
	As a result of the Infrastructure transaction, the Company recorded an estimated non-cash long-lived asset impairment charge of $241.3 million during the third quarter of 2013. The Company recorded an additional loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment of $30.0 million during the fourth quarter of 2013 related to the Infrastructure transaction.
	In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $265.0 million related to the Harsco Infrastructure Segment. See Note 7, Goodwill and Other Intangibles, for additional disclosure regarding the goodwill impairment charge.
	In the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company implemented the 2011/2012 Restructuring Program to further optimize rental assets and sales inventories in the Harsco Infrastructure Segment; reduce the number of administrative locations in the Harsco Infrastructure and Harsco Metals & Minerals Segments; and reduce the global workforce in the Harsco Infrastructure and Harsco Metals & Minerals Segments. The Harsco Infrastructure and Harsco Metals & Minerals Segments recorded pre-tax charges of $88.6 million and $5.5 million respectively, for the 2011/2012 Restructuring Program in 2012. The Harsco Infrastructure and Harsco Metals & Minerals Segments recorded pre-tax charges of $87.6 million and $12.8 million, respectively, for the 2011/2012 Restructuring Program in 2011.
	Operating Information by Segment:
			Year Ended
			December 31
	(In thousands)		2013			2012			2011
	Revenues
	Harsco Metals & Minerals		$	1,359,004		$	1,404,103		$	1,588,302
	Harsco Infrastructure		885,377			937,293			1,108,293
	Harsco Rail		286,167			352,036			300,029
	Harsco Industrial		365,972			352,586			306,116
	Total Revenues		$	2,896,520		$	3,046,018		$	3,302,740
	Operating Income (Loss)
	Harsco Metals & Minerals		$	80,801		$	85,523		$	109,593
	Harsco Infrastructure		(275,762		)	(368,657		)	(125,555		)
	Harsco Rail		28,299			56,079			58,746
	Harsco Industrial		61,035			60,160			50,656
	Corporate		(29,172		)	(7,895		)	(5,791		)
	Total Operating Income (Loss)		$	(134,799	)	$	(174,790	)	$	87,649
	Total Assets
	Harsco Metals & Minerals		$	1,595,221		$	1,561,973		$	1,537,538
	Harsco Infrastructure (a)		456,323			1,018,979			1,371,143
	Harsco Rail		159,774			188,348			213,410
	Harsco Industrial		83,189			81,035			80,784
	Corporate		147,241			125,634			136,002
	Total Assets		$	2,441,748		$	2,975,969		$	3,338,877
	Depreciation and Amortization
	Harsco Metals & Minerals		$	158,837		$	163,137		$	183,784
	Harsco Infrastructure		58,449			89,814			107,621
	Harsco Rail		10,362			10,116			10,133
	Harsco Industrial		3,329			3,098			2,805
Corporate		6,064			5,952			6,098
Total Depreciation and Amortization		$	237,041		$	272,117		$	310,441
Capital Expenditures
Harsco Metals & Minerals		$	173,179		$	189,358		$	212,009
Harsco Infrastructure		62,889			63,137			88,456
Harsco Rail		3,502			4,133			4,497
Harsco Industrial		3,936			3,669			4,938
Corporate		2,641			4,726			3,201
Total Capital Expenditures		$	246,147		$	265,023		$	313,101
(a) The total assets of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment at December 31, 2013 represent assets held-for-sale, the value of the equity method investment in Brand, and related net deferred tax assets.
The Harsco Infrastructure Segment currently holds the Company's approximate 29% equity interest in the Infrastructure strategic venture that resulted from the Infrastructure transaction. The Company will record the Company's proportionate share of Brand's net income or loss one quarter in arrears. Accordingly, the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 does not include any amounts related to the Infrastructure strategic venture in the caption Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net. The Company will begin recording the Company's proportionate share of Brand's net income or loss during the first quarter of 2014. See Note 5, Equity Method Investments, for additional information on the Company's equity method investment in Brand.
Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income (Loss) to Consolidated Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity Income:
		Year Ended
		December 31
(In thousands)		2013			2012			2011
Segment operating income (loss)		$	(105,627	)	$	(166,895	)	$	93,440
General Corporate expense		(29,172		)	(7,895		)	(5,791		)
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations		(134,799		)	(174,790		)	87,649
Interest income		2,087			3,676			2,751
Interest expense		(49,654		)	(47,381		)	(48,735		)
Change in fair value to unit adjustment liability		(966		)	—			—
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income		$	(183,332	)	$	(218,495	)	$	41,665
Information about Products and Services:
		Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers
		Year Ended
		December 31
(In thousands)		2013			2012			2011
Product Group
Outsourced, on-site services to steel mills and other metals producers and resource recovery technologies for the re-use of industrial waste stream by-products		$	1,292,511		$	1,333,248		$	1,518,902
Engineered scaffolding, concrete forming and shoring, and other access-related services, rentals and sales (a)		885,377			937,293			1,108,293
Railway track maintenance services and equipment		286,167			352,036			300,029
Air-cooled heat exchangers		180,738			175,896			142,960
Industrial grating products		142,355			136,157			113,388
Industrial abrasives and roofing granules		66,493			70,855			69,399
Heat transfer products		42,879			40,533			49,769
Consolidated Revenues		$	2,896,520		$	3,046,018		$	3,302,740
(a) The Engineered scaffolding, concrete forming and shoring, and other access-related services, rentals and sales product group is associated with the Harsco Infrastructure Segment which was disposed of as part of the Infrastructure transaction. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information on the Infrastructure transaction.

Other_Expenses

Other Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]	'
Other Expenses	'
	Other Expenses
	During 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded pre-tax other expenses from continuing operations of $15.1 million, $93.8 million and $102.7 million, respectively. The major components of this Consolidated Statements of Operations caption are as follows:
			Other (Income) Expenses
	(In thousands)		2013			2012			2011
	Net gains		$	(4,657	)	$	(5,848	)	$	(6,162	)
	Contingent consideration adjustments		—			—			(3,966		)
	Employee termination benefit costs		3,928			31,158			36,174
	Costs to exit activities		5,382			38,626			10,007
	Product line rationalization		—			24,966			66,063
	Impaired asset write-downs		9,688			7,152			—
	Other (income) expense		769			(2,278		)	624
	Total		$	15,110		$	93,776		$	102,740
	Other expenses in 2013 were incurred in conjunction with impaired asset write-downs primarily in the Harsco Rail Segment, costs to exit activities primarily in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment and Corporate, employee termination benefit costs primarily in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment, partially offset by net gains primarily in the Harsco Infrastructure Segment.
	Substantially all other expenses in 2012 and 2011 were incurred in conjunction with restructuring programs initiated within the Harsco Infrastructure Segment and the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment in 2011 and the Harsco Infrastructure Segment in 2010. See Note 19, Restructuring Programs, for additional information on these restructuring programs.
	Net Gains
	Net gains result from the sales of redundant properties (primarily land, buildings and related equipment) and non-core assets. In 2013, gains related to assets sold principally in the United States and Western Europe. In 2012, gains related to assets sold principally in the United States. In 2011, gains related to assets sold principally in the United Kingdom and the United States.
			Net Gains
	(In thousands)		2013			2012			2011
	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment		$	(1,043	)	$	(2,449	)	$	(1,666	)
	Harsco Infrastructure Segment		(2,864		)	(2,198		)	(3,607		)
	Harsco Industrial Segment		(750		)	(1,089		)	(889		)
	Corporate		—			(112		)	—
	Total		$	(4,657	)	$	(5,848	)	$	(6,162	)
	Cash proceeds associated with these gains are included in the caption proceeds from sales of assets in the cash flows from investing activities section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	Contingent Consideration Adjustments
	Certain of the Company's acquisitions in prior years included contingent consideration features for which defined goals needed to be met by the acquired business in order for payment of the consideration. Each quarter until settlement of these contingencies, the Company assessed the likelihood that an acquired business would achieve the goals and the resulting fair value of the contingency. In accordance with U.S. GAAP for business combinations, these adjustments were recognized in the caption operating income (loss) from continuing operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of the other expenses caption. The Company's assessment of these performance goals resulted in the following reductions to previously recognized contingent consideration liabilities:
			Contingent Consideration Adjustments
	(In thousands)		2013			2012			2011
	Harsco Infrastructure Segment		$	—		$	—		$	(3,966	)
	All contingent consideration liabilities have been settled and there was no recorded contingent consideration liability as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	Employee Termination Benefit Costs
	Costs and the related liabilities associated with involuntary termination benefit costs associated with one-time benefit arrangements provided as part of an exit or disposal activity are recognized by the Company when a formal plan for reorganization is approved at the appropriate level of management and communicated to the affected employees. Additionally, costs associated with ongoing benefit arrangements, or in certain countries where statutory requirements dictate a minimum required benefit, are recognized when they are probable and estimable.
	The employee termination benefit costs in 2013 related primarily to the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment and were primarily in Latin America, Western Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and North America. The employee termination benefit costs in 2012 related primarily to the 2011/2012 Restructuring Program and were primarily in Western Europe, North America, the United Kingdom and the Asia-Pacific region. The employee termination benefits costs in 2011 related primarily to the 2011/2012 Restructuring Program and were primarily in Western Europe and the United Kingdom.
			Employee Termination Benefit Costs
	(In thousands)		2013			2012			2011
	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment		$	3,561		$	8,082		$	18,533
	Harsco Infrastructure Segment (a)		(326		)	17,291			16,546
	Harsco Rail Segment		235			245			296
	Harsco Industrial Segment		115			418			423
	Corporate		343			5,122			376
	Total		$	3,928		$	31,158		$	36,174
	(a) Amounts related to the Harsco Infrastructure Segment during 2013 primarily relate to the finalization of certain accrued amounts associated with the Company's restructuring programs.
	Costs to Exit Activities
	Costs associated with exit or disposal activities are recognized as follows:
	•	Costs to terminate a contract that is not a capital lease are recognized when an entity terminates the contract or when an entity ceases using the right conveyed by the contract. This includes the costs to terminate the contract before the end of its term or the costs that will continue to be incurred under the contract for its remaining term without economic benefit to the entity (e.g., lease run-out costs).
	•	Other costs associated with exit or disposal activities (e.g., costs to consolidate or close facilities and relocate equipment or employees) are recognized and measured at their fair value in the period in which the liability is incurred.
	In 2013, $5.4 million of exit costs were incurred, principally at Corporate related to the preliminary phases of the Infrastructure transaction and the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment at various sites.
	In 2012, $38.6 million of exit costs were incurred, principally related to Western Europe, the United States and the United Kingdom. This consists primarily of branch structure reduction and office rationalization costs in the Harsco Infrastructure and Harsco Metals & Minerals Segments. Costs to exit activities included $10.9 million of gains from currency translation adjustments recognized in earnings. The currency translation adjustments are non-cash items recognized when the Company has substantially liquidated its investment in a foreign entity. The Company exited certain countries and recognized such adjustment gains in conjunction with the Company's 2011/2012 Restructuring Program.
	In 2011, $10.0 million of exit costs were incurred, principally related to the United States, the United Kingdom and Western Europe. This consists primarily of branch structure reduction and office rationalization costs in the Harsco Infrastructure and Harsco Metals & Minerals Segments.
			Costs to Exit Activities
	(In thousands)		2013			2012			2011
	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment		$	2,705		$	3,627		$	1,313
	Harsco Infrastructure Segment (a)		(254		)	34,820			8,694
	Corporate		2,931			179			$	—
	Total		$	5,382		$	38,626		$	10,007
	(a) Amounts related to the Harsco Infrastructure Segment during 2013 primarily relate to the finalization of certain accrued amounts associated with the Company's restructuring programs.
	Product Line Rationalization
	The Company did not record any product line rationalization charges in 2013. The product line rationalization charges of $25.0 million and $66.1 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively, represent a write-down of certain rental assets and sale inventories in the Harsco Infrastructure Segment that were discontinued as part of the 2011/2012 Restructuring Program and the Fourth Quarter 2010 Harsco Infrastructure Program, to streamline and optimize product offerings. These charges are net of estimated salvage value. Salvage values were based on estimates of proceeds to be realized through the sale of this inventory outside the normal course of business.
	Impaired Asset Write-downs
	Impaired asset write-downs are measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of assets exceeds their fair value. Fair value is estimated based upon the expected future realizable cash flows including anticipated selling prices. Non-cash impaired asset write-downs are included in the caption other, net on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities.
	In 2013, $9.7 million of impaired asset write-downs were incurred, principally in the Harsco Rail Segment related to certain contract services assets being written-down to the net realizable value. In 2012, impaired asset write-downs were recorded in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment principally in the Asia-Pacific region resulting from exiting an underperforming contract. There were no impaired asset write-downs recorded in 2011.
			Impaired Asset Write-downs
	(In thousands)		2013			2012			2011
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment		$	689		$	7,152		$	—
Harsco Rail Segment		8,999			—			—
Total		$	9,688		$	7,152		$	—

Components_of_Accumulated_Othe

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss is included on the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity. The components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of the effect of income taxes, and activity for the year ended December 31, 2013 are as follows:
		Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax
	(In thousands)	Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments				Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments				Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations				Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	62,308			$	(8,139	)		$	(465,286	)		$	(51	)	$	(411,168	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(39,848		)	(a)	1,060			(b)	55,581			(c)	31			16,824
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—				8				19,839				—			19,847
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction (See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions)	(15,979		)		(21		)		20,184				—			4,184
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(55,827		)		1,047				95,604				31			40,855
	Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(371		)		69				—				—			(302		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	(56,198		)		1,116				95,604				31			40,553
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	6,110			$	(7,023	)		$	(369,682	)		$	(20	)	$	(370,615	)
	(a) Principally foreign currency fluctuation.
	(b) Net change from periodic revaluations.
	(c) Principally changes due to annual actuarial remeasurements.
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2013 are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31, 2013				Affected Caption in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
	(In thousands)
	Amortization of defined benefit pension items (a):
	Actuarial losses	$	12,435		(b)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
	Actuarial losses	9,064			(b)	Cost of services and products sold
	Prior-service costs	298			(b)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
	Prior-service costs	285			(b)	Cost of services and products sold
	Total before tax	22,082
	Tax benefit	(2,243		)
	Total reclassification of defined benefit pension items, net of tax	$	19,839
	Amortization of cash flow hedging instruments (a):
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	11			Cost of services and products sold
	Tax benefit	(3		)
	Total reclassification of cash flow hedging instruments	$	8
	(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate credits to profit/loss.
	(b) These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic pension costs. Please refer to Note 10, Employee Benefit Plans, for additional details.
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31, 2013				Affected Caption in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
	(In thousands)
	Foreign exchange translation adjustments, before tax	$	(15,979	)		Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs
	Tax effect	—
	Total reclassification of foreign exchange transaction adjustments	$	(15,979	)
	Cash flow hedging instruments, before tax	$	(34	)		Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs
	Tax effect	13
	Total reclassification of cash flow hedging instruments	$	(21	)
	Defined benefit pension items, before tax	$	20,184			Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs
	Tax effect	—
	Total reclassification of defined benefit pension items	$	20,184

Restructuring_Programs

Restructuring Programs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring Programs	'
	Restructuring Programs
	In recent years, the Company has instituted restructuring programs to balance short-term profitability goals with long-term strategies. A primary objective of these programs has been to establish platforms upon which the affected businesses can grow with reduced fixed investment and generate annual operating expense savings.  The restructuring programs have been instituted in response to the continuing impact of global financial and economic uncertainty on the Company’s end markets, particularly in the Company’s Harsco Infrastructure Segment. Restructuring costs incurred in these programs were recorded in the Other expenses caption of the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The timing of associated cash payments is dependent on the type of restructuring cost and can extend over a multi-year period.
	2011/2012 Restructuring Program
	Under the 2011/2012 Restructuring Program, the Company optimized rental assets and sale inventories by removing non-core assets under an expanded product rationalization and branch structure reduction program undertaken in its Harsco Infrastructure Segment and optimized office structures and reduced global workforce in the Harsco Infrastructure and Harsco Metals & Minerals Segments. Benefits under this program, in the form of reduced costs, were $63.0 million for the full year of 2013. This represents an incremental $8.0 million in benefits under this program when compared with the benefits realized in 2012. The majority of these savings related to the Harsco Infrastructure Segment, which was disposed of as part of the Infrastructure transaction. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information related to the Infrastructure transaction. The Company incurred approximately $95 million and $101 million in pre-tax charges under this program in years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	The restructuring accrual for the 2011/2012 Restructuring Program at December 31, 2013 and the activity for the year ended December 31, 2013 are as follows:
	(In thousands)	Accrual		Non-Cash			Cash			Foreign			Transfers Between Segments (a)			Other Transfers (b)			Remaining
		December 31		Charges /			Payments			Currency									Accrual
		2012		Adjustments						Translation									31-Dec
																			2013
	Harsco Infrastructure Segment
	Employee termination benefit costs	$	6,999	$	(1,000	)	$	(5,087	)	$	(245	)	$	—		$	(667	)	$	—
	Cost to exit activities	9,000		(691		)	(3,269		)	(55		)	(3,248		)	(1,737		)	—
	Total Harsco Infrastructure Segment	15,999		(1,691		)	(8,356		)	(300		)	(3,248		)	(2,404		)	—
	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
	Employee termination benefit costs	6,494		(139		)	(4,516		)	(33		)	—			—			1,806
	Cost to exit activities	499		(207		)	(205		)	8			—			—			95
	Total Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment	6,993		(346		)	(4,721		)	(25		)	—			—			1,901
	Harsco Corporate
	Employee termination benefit costs	13		2			(15		)	—			—			—			—
	Cost to exit activities	—		—			(62		)	—			3,248			—			3,186
	Total Harsco Corporate	13		2			(77		)	—			3,248			—			3,186
	Total	$	23,005	$	(2,035	)	$	(13,154	)	$	(325	)	$	—		$	(2,404	)	$	5,087
	(a) The Company transferred $3.2 million of lease obligations included in the cost to exit activities caption from the Harsco Infrastructure Segment to
	Corporate. These are liabilities not included as part of the Infrastructure transaction and retained by the Company.
	(b) As part of the Infrastructure transaction, the Company transferred certain restructuring program accruals to Brand.
	Cash expenditures related to the remaining employee termination benefit costs accrual at December 31, 2013 are expected to be paid principally throughout 2014 with approximately $3.3 million of exit activity costs for lease terminations expected to be paid over the remaining life of the leases.
	Fourth Quarter 2010 Harsco Infrastructure Program
	Under the Fourth Quarter 2010 Harsco Infrastructure Program, the Harsco Infrastructure Segment reduced its branch structure; consolidated and/or closed administrative office locations; reduced its global workforce; and rationalized its product lines.
	The restructuring accrual for the Fourth Quarter 2010 Harsco Infrastructure Program at December 31, 2013 and the activity for the year ended December 31, 2013 are as follows:
	(In thousands)	Accrual		Non-Cash			Cash			Foreign			Other Transfers (a)			Remaining
		December 31		Charges /			Payments			Currency						Accrual
		2012		Adjustments						Translation						31-Dec
																2013
	Harsco Infrastructure Segment
	Cost to exit activities	$	6,791	$	(695	)	$	(506	)	$	(3	)	$	(5,587	)	$	—
	Total	$	6,791	$	(695	)	$	(506	)	$	(3	)	$	(5,587	)	$	—
	(a) As part of the Infrastructure transaction, the Company transferred certain restructuring program accruals to Brand.

SCHEDULE_II_VALUATION_AND_QUAL

SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	'
	SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	Continuing Operations
	(In thousands)
	COLUMN A		COLUMN B		COLUMN C			COLUMN D							COLUMN E
					Additions			Additions (Deductions)
	Description		Balance at		Charged to			Due to			Other				Balance at End
			Beginning of		Cost and			Currency							of Period
			Period		Expenses			Translation
								Adjustments
	For the year 2013:
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts		$	17,253	$	10,175		$	(191	)	$	(20,599	)	(a)	$	6,638
	Deferred Tax Assets—Valuation Allowance		$	126,532	$	4,164		$	(5,769	)	$	2,237			$	127,164
	For the year 2012:
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts		$	17,829	$	11,266		$	166		$	(12,008	)	(b)	$	17,253
	Deferred Tax Assets—Valuation Allowance		$	99,617	$	18,552		$	3,449		$	4,914			$	126,532
	For the year 2011:
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts		$	20,283	$	7,880		$	(677	)	$	(9,657	)	(b)	$	17,829
	Deferred Tax Assets—Valuation Allowance		$	29,469	$	47,575	(c)	$	(312	)	$	22,885		(d)	$	99,617
	(a)	Includes principally the decrease in the allowance for doubtful accounts since December 31, 2012 related to the consummation of the Infrastructure transaction and utilization of previously reserved amounts.
	(b)	Includes principally the utilization of previously reserved amounts.
	(c)	Includes principally a valuation allowance recorded to fully offset the U.K. operations' net deferred tax assets primarily related to U.K. pension liabilities.
	(d)	Includes principally a valuation allowance recorded on other comprehensive income (loss) activity related to U.K. pension.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Consolidation	'
	Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include all accounts of Harsco Corporation (the "Company"), all entities in which the Company has a controlling voting interest, and variable interest entities required to be consolidated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated among consolidated entities.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits and short-term investments that are highly liquid in nature and have an original maturity of three months or less.
Equity Method Investments	'
	The equity method of accounting is used for investments in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over, but not control of, an investee. Significant influence generally exists if the Company has an ownership interest representing between 20% and 50% of the voting stock of an investee. Equity method investments are recorded at initial fair value and are adjusted to recognize the Company's proportionate share of the investee's net income or losses after the date of the investment, additional contributions made, distributions received, and impairments resulting from other-than-temporary declines in estimated fair value.
	Equity method investments are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an other-than-temporary decline in the estimated fair value of the investment has occurred. In these instances, the Company compares the estimated fair value of the investment to the book value of the investment to determine if an impairment has occurred. If the estimated fair value of the investment is less than the book value of the investment and the decline is considered to be other-than-temporary, the excess of the book value over the estimated fair value is recognized as an impairment.
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventories in the United States are principally accounted for using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method. The Company's remaining inventories are accounted for using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") or average cost methods.
Depreciation	'
	Depreciation
	Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets using principally the straight-line method. When property is retired from service, the cost of the retirement is charged to the allowance for depreciation to the extent of the accumulated depreciation and the balance is charged to income. Long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale are not depreciated while they are held for sale.
Leases	'
	Leases
	The Company leases certain property and equipment under noncancelable lease agreements. All lease agreements are evaluated and classified as either an operating lease or capital lease in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A lease is classified as a capital lease if any of the following criteria are met: transfer of ownership to the Company by the end of the lease term; the lease contains a bargain purchase option; the lease term is equal to or greater than 75% of the asset's economic life; or the present value of future minimum lease payments is equal to or greater than 90% of the asset's fair market value. Operating lease expense is recognized ratably over the lease term, including rent abatement periods and rent holidays.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	In accordance with U.S. GAAP, goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist, or if a decision is made to dispose of a business. Goodwill is allocated among and evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below for which discrete financial information is available. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include declining cash flows or operating losses at the reporting unit level, a significant adverse change in legal factors or business climate, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, a loss of key personnel, or a more-likely-than-not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of, among others.
	The Company performs the annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1. The Company has seven reporting units (only three of which have goodwill associated with them as of December 31, 2013), of which two are included in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment. The remaining reporting unit is the Harsco Rail Segment. Almost all of the Company's goodwill is allocated to the Harsco Metals business, which is included in the Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment.
	The evaluation of potential goodwill impairment involves comparing the current fair value of each reporting unit to its net book value, including goodwill. The Company uses a discounted cash flow model (“DCF model”) to estimate the current fair value of reporting units, as management believes forecasted operating cash flows are the best indicator of current fair value. A number of significant assumptions and estimates are involved in the preparation of DCF models including future revenues and operating margin growth, the weighted-average cost of capital (“WACC”), tax rates, capital spending, pension funding, the impact of business initiatives, and working capital projections. These assumptions and estimates may vary significantly between reporting units. DCF models are based on approved operating plans for the early years and historical relationships and projections for later years. WACC rates are derived from internal and external factors including, but not limited to, the average market price of the Company's stock, shares outstanding, book value of the Company's debt, the long-term risk free interest rate, and both market and size-specific risk premiums. Due to the many variables noted above and the relative size of the Company's goodwill, differences in assumptions may have a material impact on the results of the Company's annual goodwill impairment testing. If the net book value of a reporting unit were to exceed its current fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test would be required to determine if an impairment existed and the amount of goodwill impairment to record, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the net book value of a reporting unit's goodwill with the implied fair value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill represents the excess of fair value of the reporting unit over the fair value amounts assigned to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit if it were to be acquired in a business combination and the current fair value of the reporting unit represented the purchase price. The second step of the goodwill impairment test requires the utilization of valuation experts.
	See Note 7, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for additional information on goodwill.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Other than Goodwill)	'
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Other than Goodwill)
	Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company's policy is to determine if an impairment loss exists when it is determined that the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows resulting from use of the asset, and its eventual disposition. Impairment losses are measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, normally as determined in either open market transactions or through the use of a discounted cash flow model. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	Service revenues and product revenues are recognized when they are realized or realizable and when earned. Revenue is realized or realizable and earned when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the Company's price to the buyer is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Service revenues include the Harsco Infrastructure Segment as well as service revenues of the Harsco Metals & Minerals and Harsco Rail Segments. Product revenues include the Harsco Industrial Segment and the product revenues of the Harsco Metals & Minerals and Harsco Rail Segments.
	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment—This Segment provides services predominantly on a long-term, volume-of-production contract basis. Contracts may include both fixed monthly fees as well as variable fees based upon specific services provided to the customer. The fixed-fee portion is recognized periodically as earned (normally monthly) over the contractual period. The variable-fee portion is recognized as services are performed and differs from period to period based upon the actual provision of services. This Segment also sells industrial abrasives and roofing granules products. Product revenues are recognized generally when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all revenue recognition criteria have been met. Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment. For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract.
	Harsco Infrastructure Segment—This Segment historically provided services under both fixed-fee and time-and-materials short-term contracts, rented equipment under month-to-month rental contracts and, to a lesser extent, sold products to customers. Equipment rentals were recognized as earned over the contractual rental period. Services provided on a fixed-fee basis were recognized over the contractual period based upon the completion of specific units of accounting (i.e., erection and dismantling of equipment). Services provided on a time-and-materials basis were recognized when earned as services were performed. Product revenue was recognized when title and risk of loss transferred and when all revenue recognition criteria had been met. As a result of the Infrastructure transaction, this Segment no longer recognizes revenue from operations. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information on the Infrastructure transaction.
	Harsco Rail Segment—This Segment sells railway track maintenance equipment, parts and provides railway track maintenance services. Product revenue is recognized generally when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all of the revenue recognition criteria have been met. Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment. For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract. Revenue may be recognized subsequent to the transfer of title and risk of loss for certain product sales, if the specific sales contract includes a customer acceptance clause that provides for different timing. In those situations revenue is recognized after transfer of title and risk of loss and after customer acceptance. Services are predominantly on a long-term, time-and-materials contract basis. Revenue is recognized when earned as services are performed within the long-term contracts.
	Harsco Industrial Segment—This Segment sells industrial grating products, heat exchangers, and heat transfer products. Product revenues are generally recognized when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all of the revenue recognition criteria have been met. Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfer to the customer at the point of shipment. For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of the events that have been included in the consolidated financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
	The Company records deferred tax assets to the extent that the Company believes that these assets will more-likely-than-not be realized. In making such determinations, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial results. In the event the Company was to determine that it would be able to realize deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, an adjustment to the valuation allowance would be made that would reduce the provision for income taxes.
	The Company prepares and files its tax returns based on its interpretation of tax laws and regulations and records its provision for income taxes based on these interpretations. Uncertainties may exist in estimating the Company's tax provisions and in filing its tax returns in the many jurisdictions in which the Company operates, and as a result these interpretations may give rise to an uncertain tax position. The tax benefit from an uncertain tax position is recognized when it is more-likely-than-not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on its technical merits. Each subsequent period the Company determines if existing or new uncertain tax positions meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold and adjust accordingly.
	The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within Income tax expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	In general, it is the practice and the intention of the Company to reinvest the undistributed earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries. Should the Company repatriate future earnings, such amounts would become subject to U.S. taxation upon remittance of dividends and under certain other circumstances, thereby giving recognition to current tax expense and to international tax credits.
	The significant assumptions and estimates described in the preceding paragraphs are important contributors to the effective tax rate each year.
Accrued Insurance and Loss Reserves	'
	Accrued Insurance and Loss Reserves
	The Company retains a significant portion of the risk for U.S. workers' compensation, U.K. employers' liability, automobile, general and product liability losses. During 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded insurance expense from continuing operations related to these lines of coverage of $30.0 million, $33.8 million and $37.0 million, respectively. Reserves have been recorded that reflect the undiscounted estimated liabilities including claims incurred but not reported. When a recognized liability is covered by third-party insurance, the Company records an insurance claim receivable to reflect the covered liability. Changes in the estimates of the reserves are included in net loss in the period determined. During 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded retrospective insurance reserve adjustments that decreased pre-tax insurance expense from continuing operations for self-insured programs by $7.2 million, $4.3 million and $2.7 million, respectively. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company has recorded liabilities of $52.4 million and $82.7 million, respectively, related to both asserted as well as unasserted insurance claims. Included in the balance at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were $4.0 million and $3.6 million, respectively, of recognized liabilities covered by insurance carriers. Amounts estimated to be paid within one year have been classified as current Insurance liabilities, with the remainder included in non-current Insurance liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Warranties	'
	The Company provides for warranties of certain products as they are sold.
	Warranty expense and payments are incurred principally in the Harsco Rail and Harsco Industrial Segments. Warranty activity may vary from year to year depending upon the mix of revenues and contractual terms related to product warranties.
Foreign Currency Translation	'
	Foreign Currency Translation
	The financial statements of the Company's subsidiaries outside the United States, except for those subsidiaries located in highly inflationary economies and those entities for which the U.S. dollar is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates, are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rates at the balance sheet date. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded in the cumulative translation adjustment account, a separate component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Income and expense items are translated at average monthly exchange rates. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in net income loss. For subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies, and those entities for which the U.S. dollar is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates, gains and losses on foreign currency transactions and balance sheet translation adjustments are included in net loss. In 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company had no subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies.
Financial Instruments and Hedging	'
	Financial Instruments and Hedging
	The Company has operations throughout the world that are exposed to fluctuations in related foreign currencies in the normal course of business. The Company seeks to reduce exposure to foreign currency fluctuations through the use of forward exchange contracts. The Company does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes, and it is the Company's policy to prohibit the use of derivatives for speculative purposes. The Company has a Foreign Currency Risk Management Committee that meets periodically to monitor foreign currency risks.
	The Company executes foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge transactions for firm purchase commitments, to hedge variable cash flows of forecasted transactions and for export sales denominated in foreign currencies. These contracts are generally for 90 days or less; however, where appropriate, longer-term contracts may be utilized. For those contracts that are designated as qualified cash flow hedges, gains or losses are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	The Company uses cross currency interest rate swaps in conjunction with certain debt issuances in order to lock in fixed local currency interest rates. Under these cross currency interest rate swaps, the Company receives interest based on a fixed or variable U.S. dollar rate and pays interest based on a fixed local currency rate based on the contractual amounts in U.S. dollars and the local currency, respectively.
	Amounts recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are reclassified into operations in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects income. The cash flows from these contracts are classified consistent with the cash flows from the transaction being hedged (e.g., the cash flows related to contracts to hedge the purchase of fixed assets are included in cash flows from investing activities, etc.). The Company also enters into certain forward exchange contracts that are not designated as hedges. Gains and losses on these contracts are recognized in operations based on changes in fair market value. For fair value hedges of a firm commitment, the gain or loss on the derivative and the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged firm commitment are recognized currently in operations.
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share are calculated using the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, while diluted earnings per share reflect the dilutive effects of stock-based compensation. All share and per share amounts are restated for any stock splits and stock dividends that occur prior to the issuance of the financial statements.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements	'
	Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability	'
	The following table summarizes the warranty activity for 2013, 2012 and 2011:
	(In thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Warranty reserves, beginning of the year	$	9,092		$	5,596		$	5,037
	Accruals for warranties issued during the year	5,016			7,935			4,003
	Reductions related to pre-existing warranties	(1,966		)	(2,401		)	(1,769		)
	Warranties paid	(2,573		)	(1,958		)	(1,677		)
	Other (principally foreign currency translation)	(21		)	(80		)	2
	Warranty reserves, end of the year	$	9,548		$	9,092		$	5,596

Acquisitions_and_Dispositions_

Acquisitions and Dispositions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Acquisitions and Dispositions [Abstract]	'
Schedule of reductions to previously recognized contingent consideration liabilities	'
	The Company's assessment of these performance goals resulted in the following reductions to previously recognized contingent consideration liabilities:
		Years Ended December 31
	(In thousands)	2013			2012				2011
	Reduction of contingent consideration liabilities	$	—		$	—			$	3,966
Schedule of net income attributable to Company and transfers to noncontrolling interest	'
	The following table discloses the effects of changes in the Company's ownership interests in subsidiaries on the Company's equity.
		Years Ended December 31
	(In thousands)	2013			2012				2011
	Net loss attributable to the Company	$	(227,941	)	$	(254,612	)		$	(11,510	)
	Net increase in the Company's paid-in capital for changes to noncontrolling interest	711			—				—
	Change from net loss attributable to the Company and changes to noncontrolling interest	$	(227,230	)	$	(254,612	)		$	(11,510	)
Disclosure of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Table Text Block]	'
	The carrying amounts of the remaining assets and liabilities that were aggregated in the captions Assets held-for-sale and Liabilities of assets held-for-sale, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013 are as follows:
	(In thousands)	31-Dec			(In thousands)		31-Dec
		2013					2013
	Assets held-for-sale:				Liabilities of assets held-for-sale:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,290		Accounts payable		$	4,143
	Trade accounts receivable, net	28,471			Accrued compensation		4,618
	Due from unconsolidated affiliate	65,728			Income taxes payable		1,105
	Inventories	5,898			Insurance liabilities - current portion		21
	Other current assets	2,129			Due to unconsolidated affiliate		97,079
	Property, plant and equipment, net	10,343			Other current liabilities		2,210
	Other assets	109
		$	113,968				$	109,176
Acquisitions and Dispositions	'
	Acquisitions and Dispositions
	Acquisitions
	In January 2014, the Company acquired Hammco Corporation ("Hammco"), a U.S. manufacturer of high specification air-cooled heat exchangers for the natural gas and petrochemical processing markets.
	Certain of the Company's acquisitions in prior years included contingent consideration features for which defined goals needed to be met by the acquired business in order for payment of the consideration. Each quarter until settlement of these contingencies, the Company assessed the likelihood that an acquired business would achieve the goals and the resulting fair value of the contingency. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, these adjustments were recognized in operating income (loss) from continuing operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of the Other expenses caption. The Company's assessment of these performance goals resulted in the following reductions to previously recognized contingent consideration liabilities:
		Years Ended December 31
	(In thousands)	2013			2012				2011
	Reduction of contingent consideration liabilities	$	—		$	—			$	3,966
	All contingent consideration liabilities have been settled and there was no recorded contingent consideration liability as of December 31, 2013 or 2012.
	Net Loss Attributable to the Company and Changes to Noncontrolling Interest
	The following table discloses the effects of changes in the Company's ownership interests in subsidiaries on the Company's equity.
		Years Ended December 31
	(In thousands)	2013			2012				2011
	Net loss attributable to the Company	$	(227,941	)	$	(254,612	)		$	(11,510	)
	Net increase in the Company's paid-in capital for changes to noncontrolling interest	711			—				—
	Change from net loss attributable to the Company and changes to noncontrolling interest	$	(227,230	)	$	(254,612	)		$	(11,510	)
	Dispositions
	Infrastructure Transaction
	On November 26, 2013, the Company consummated the Infrastructure transaction. The Company has contributed substantially all of the Company’s equity interests in, and the net assets of, the Harsco Infrastructure Segment to the strategic venture in exchange for approximately $300 million in cash, subject to working capital and other adjustments, and an approximate 29% equity interest in the resulting entity (the " Infrastructure strategic venture" or "Brand"). The Company’s equity interest in the Infrastructure strategic venture will be accounted for under the equity method of accounting as prescribed by U.S. GAAP. See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, and Note 5, Equity Method Investments, for additional information on equity method investments.
	As a result of the Infrastructure transaction, the Company recorded an estimated non-cash long-lived asset impairment charge of $241.3 million during the third quarter of 2013. The Company recorded an additional loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment of $30.0 million during the fourth quarter of 2013 related to the Infrastructure transaction. The increase loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment from September 30, 2013 was due principally to the final valuation of the equity interest in the Infrastructure strategic venture and changes in working capital and other adjustments.  Further adjustments to the impairment charge may be necessary and the final impairment charge may differ, possibly materially, as a result of any adjustments made to the valuation of certain items set forth on the closing statement to be prepared by Brand in connection with the Infrastructure transaction, which is subject to review by the Company and requires final agreement between Brand and the Company. The Company determined that the impairment charges were necessary given the fair value of the consideration received in the Infrastructure transaction. The amount of the impairment charge represents the Company's estimate of the difference between the book value of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment, less costs to sell, and the sum of the cash consideration plus the fair value of the Company's approximate 29% equity interest in the Infrastructure strategic venture. The fair value of the equity interest was determined based on the expected future discounted cash flows of the Infrastructure strategic venture.
	While the Infrastructure transaction was consummated on November 26, 2013, necessary regulatory approvals related to certain jurisdictions were still required at December 31, 2013. The carrying amounts of the remaining assets and liabilities that were aggregated in the captions Assets held-for-sale and Liabilities of assets held-for-sale, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013 are as follows:
	(In thousands)	31-Dec			(In thousands)		31-Dec
		2013					2013
	Assets held-for-sale:				Liabilities of assets held-for-sale:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,290		Accounts payable		$	4,143
	Trade accounts receivable, net	28,471			Accrued compensation		4,618
	Due from unconsolidated affiliate	65,728			Income taxes payable		1,105
	Inventories	5,898			Insurance liabilities - current portion		21
	Other current assets	2,129			Due to unconsolidated affiliate		97,079
	Property, plant and equipment, net	10,343			Other current liabilities		2,210
	Other assets	109
		$	113,968				$	109,176
	The ownership interest in the jurisdictions representing the assets held-for-sale and liabilities of assets held-for-sale at December 31, 2013 were transferred to Brand during January 2014, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
	Additionally, the Company incurred $20.1 million of transaction costs during the year ended December 31, 2013 in conjunction with the Infrastructure transaction.
	Harsco Gas Technologies
	Consistent with the Company's strategic focus to grow and allocate financial resources principally to its industrial services businesses, the Company sold its Gas Technologies Segment to Taylor Wharton International in 2007. The Company recorded after-tax losses from discontinued operations of $1.5 million, $0.9 million and $2.1 million, in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The losses incurred in 2013, 2012 and 2011 included charges related to potential and contingent claims. The Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended 2013, 2012 and 2011 reflect the Gas Technologies Segment's results as discontinued operations.

Accounts_Receivable_and_Invent1

Accounts Receivable and Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts Receivable and Inventories [Abstract]	'
Schedule of accounts receivable	'
	Accounts receivable consist of the following:
			Accounts Receivable
	(In thousands)		December 31			December 31
			2013			2012
	Trade accounts receivable		$	359,819		$	617,517
	Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts		(6,638		)	(17,253		)
	Trade accounts receivable, net		$	353,181		$	600,264
	Other receivables (a)		$	46,470		$	39,836
	(a)	Other receivables include insurance claim receivables, employee receivables, tax claim receivables and other miscellaneous receivables not included in Trade accounts receivable, net.
Schedule of provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable	'
	The following table reflects the provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
			Years Ended December 31
	(In thousands)		2013			2012			2011
	Provision for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable		$	10,175		$	11,266		$	7,880
Schedule of inventories	'
	nventories consist of the following:
			Inventories
	(In thousands)		December 31			December 31
			2013			2012
	Finished goods		$	23,112		$	69,904
	Work-in-process		25,623			28,944
	Raw materials and purchased parts		72,118			99,058
	Stores and supplies		34,836			38,606
	Total inventories		$	155,689		$	236,512
	Valued at lower of cost or market:
	LIFO basis		$	94,939		$	108,633
	FIFO basis		9,859			14,641
	Average cost basis		50,891			113,238
	Total inventories		$	155,689		$	236,512

Equity_Method_Investments_Tabl

Equity Method Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Summary of quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs used for initial determination of fair value of Brand	'
	The following table details quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs:
		Fair Value at December 31 2013				Range
	(Dollars in thousands)			Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Low		High
	Equity method investment - Brand	$	296,082	Discounted cash flow	EBITDA Margin	10.9	%	12.6	%
					Ratio of capital expenditures to revenues	2.9	%	3.8	%
					Long-term revenue growth	3	%	3	%
					WACC Rate	9.25	%	9.25	%
					Cost of equity	12.5	%	12.5	%
					Implied exit EBITDA multiple	7.0X		7.5X
					Discount for lack of marketability	15	%	15	%
Summary of balances related to transactions between Company and Brand	'
	Balances related to transactions between the Company and Brand at December 31, 2013 are as follows:
	(In thousands)	December 31
		2013
	Balances due from Brand	$	85,908
	Balances due to Brand	149,325

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Schedule of property, plant and equipment	'
	Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:
	(In thousands)	Estimated	December 31			December 31
		Useful Lives	2013			2012
	Land	—	$	16,652		$	26,336
	Land improvements	5-20 years	13,615			14,199
	Buildings and improvements	5-40 years	192,346			190,078
	Machinery and equipment	3-20 years	1,969,493			2,950,384
	Uncompleted construction	—	86,508			107,633
	Gross property, plant and equipment		2,278,614			3,288,630
	Less: Accumulated depreciation		(1,567,268		)	(2,022,405		)
	Property, plant and equipment, net		$	711,346		$	1,266,225

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Goodwill	'
	The following table reflects the changes in carrying amounts of goodwill by segment (there is no goodwill associated with the Harsco Infrastructure or Harsco Industrial Segment) for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
	(In thousands)		Harsco Metals		Harsco			Harsco		Consolidated
			& Minerals		Infrastructure			Rail		Totals
			Segment		Segment			Segment
	Balance at December 31, 2011		$	411,876	$	259,715		$	9,310	$	680,901
	Changes to goodwill (a)		—		(2,295		)	—		(2,295		)
	Goodwill impairment		—		(265,038		)	—		(265,038		)
	Foreign currency translation		8,012		7,618			—		15,630
	Balance at December 31, 2012		419,888		—			9,310		429,198
	Foreign currency translation		2,067		—			—		2,067
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	421,955	$	—		$	9,310	$	431,265
	(a)	Changes to goodwill relate principally to the allocation of goodwill, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, to components of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment that were disposed of as part of the 2011/2012 Restructuring Program.
Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class	'
	The following table reflects these intangible assets by major category:
			31-Dec-13					31-Dec-12
	(In thousands)		Gross Carrying		Accumulated			Gross Carrying		Accumulated
			Amount		Amortization			Amount		Amortization
	Customer related		$	150,307	$	110,889		$	183,862	$	129,904
	Non-compete agreements		1,126		1,024			1,347		1,310
	Patents		6,211		5,273			6,909		5,503
	Technology related		27,185		18,931			29,588		17,551
	Trade names		4,113		2,969			18,685		11,688
	Other		7,753		4,348			9,947		6,656
	Total		$	196,695	$	143,434		$	250,338	$	172,612
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	'
	The following table shows the estimated amortization expense for the next five fiscal years based on current intangible assets.
	(In thousands)		2014		2015			2016		2017			2018
	Estimated amortization expense (a)		$	8,500	$	7,250		$	6,750	$	3,750		$	3,500
	(a)	These estimated amortization expense amounts do not reflect the potential effect of future foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
	The decreases in Intangible assets and estimated amortization expense for the next five fiscal years since December 31, 2012, primarily relates to the consummation of the Infrastructure transaction. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, for additional information related to the Infrastructure transaction.

Debt_and_Credit_Agreements_Tab

Debt and Credit Agreements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities	'
	The following table illustrates the amount outstanding under the multi-year revolving credit facility and available credit at December 31, 2013. The multi-year revolving credit facility is described in more detail below the table.
	Summary of Credit Facility at December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)	Facility			Outstanding			Available
		Limit			Balance			Credit
	Multi-year revolving credit facility	$	525,000		$	35,000		$	490,000
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	'
		Long-Term Debt
	(In thousands)	December 31			December 31
		2013			2012
	5.75% notes due May 15, 2018	$	448,268		$	447,931
	5.125% notes due September 15, 2013	—			149,875
	2.7% notes due October 15, 2015	249,373			249,022
	Other financing payable (including capital leases) in varying amounts due principally through 2018 with a weighted-average interest rate of 3.6% and 2.7% at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	105,774			113,878
	Total debt	803,415			960,706
	Less: current maturities	(20,257		)	(3,278		)
	Total long-term debt	$	783,158		$	957,428
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	'
	The maturities of long-term debt for the four years following December 31, 2014 are as follows:
	(In thousands)
	2015	$	267,835
	2016	19,643
	2017	42,667
	2018	451,860

Leases_Tables

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	'
	Future minimum payments under operating leases with noncancelable terms are as follows:
	(in thousands)
	2014	$	11,610
	2015	8,277
	2016	5,271
	2017	2,937
	2018	1,617
	After 2018	11,218

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs	'
	Net periodic pension cost for U.S. and international pension plans for 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:
			U.S. Plans											International Plans
	(In thousands)		2013				2012				2011			2013				2012				2011
	Defined benefit plans:
	Service cost		$	2,565			$	1,887			$	1,557		$	3,457			$	3,418			$	4,350
	Interest cost		11,767				12,780				13,468			42,707				46,174				48,768
	Expected return on plan assets		(15,642		)		(15,617		)		(16,480		)	(46,920		)		(45,050		)		(52,735		)
	Recognized prior service costs		248				224				245			335				397				424
	Recognized losses		5,052				4,637				2,982			16,447				15,194				11,332
	Amortization of transition liability		—				—				—			—				8				43
	Settlement/curtailment loss (gain)		—				1,510				—			(372		)		(2,589		)		183
	Defined benefit plans pension cost		3,990				5,421				1,772			15,654				17,552				12,365
	Multiemployer plans		12,444				10,186				13,264			5,449				5,539				6,547
	Defined contribution plans		4,945				5,066				5,434			11,139				12,770				14,157
	Net periodic pension cost		$	21,379			$	20,673			$	20,470		$	32,242			$	35,861			$	33,069
Schedule of Net Funded Status	'
	The change in the financial status of the pension plans and amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
			U.S. Plans								International Plans
	(In thousands)		2013				2012				2013			2012
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	316,448			$	298,769			$	1,068,750		$	968,218
	Service cost		2,565				1,887				3,457			3,418
	Interest cost		11,767				12,780				42,707			46,174
	Plan participants' contributions		—				—				689			830
	Amendments		—				—				(394		)	60
	Actuarial (gain) loss		(28,158		)		27,803				(8,245		)	65,379
	Settlements/curtailments		—				(3,029		)		(1,619		)	(9,506		)
	Benefits paid		(19,051		)		(21,762		)		(46,269		)	(44,968		)
	Effect of foreign currency		—				—				19,744			39,181
	Infrastructure transaction transfer (a)		—				—				(120,115		)	—
	Other		—				—				—			(36		)
	Benefit obligation at end of year		$	283,571			$	316,448			$	958,705		$	1,068,750
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		$	218,084			$	209,237			$	783,059		$	714,163
	Actual return on plan assets		31,931				27,429				68,535			58,194
	Employer contributions		2,615				6,254				30,258			29,713
	Plan participants' contributions		—				—				689			830
	Settlements/curtailments		—				(3,074		)		(1,028		)	(3,885		)
	Benefits paid		(19,051		)		(21,762		)		(45,207		)	(43,954		)
	Effect of foreign currency		—				—				11,455			27,998
	Infrastructure transaction transfer (a)		—				—				(76,850		)	—
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		$	233,579			$	218,084			$	770,911		$	783,059
	Funded status at end of year		$	(49,992	)		$	(98,364	)		$	(187,794	)	$	(285,691	)
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet	'
	Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
			U.S. Plans								International Plans
	(In thousands)		December 31				December 31				December 31			December 31
			2013				2012				2013			2012
	Noncurrent assets		$	2,148			$	490			$	3,894		$	5,892
	Current liabilities		(2,045		)		(2,531		)		(534		)	(1,048		)
	Noncurrent liabilities		(50,095		)		(96,323		)		(191,154		)	(290,535		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax		109,348				159,094				401,300			469,949
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not yet Recognized	'
	Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax, consist of the following at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
			U.S. Plans								International Plans
	(In thousands)		2013				2012				2013			2012
	Net actuarial loss		$	109,081			$	158,579			$	400,726		$	467,438
	Prior service cost		267				515				574			2,511
	Total		$	109,348			$	159,094			$	401,300		$	469,949
Schedule of Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be Recognized over Next Fiscal Year	'
	The estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into defined benefit net periodic pension cost in 2014 are as follows:
	(In thousands)		U.S. Plans				International  Plans
	Net actuarial loss		$	3,352			$	14,224
	Prior service cost		90				190
	Total		$	3,442			$	14,414
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments	'
	The expected benefit payments for defined benefit plans over the next 10 years are as follows:
	(In millions)		2014				2015				2016			2017				2018				2019-2023
	U.S. Plans		$	24.5			$	17.6			$	18		$	17.7			$	17.8			$	91.1
	International Plans		44				45.7				47.7			49.4				51.5				285.5
Schedule of Assumptions Used	'
	The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the defined benefit pension plan obligations at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
			U.S. Plans						International Plans					Global Weighted-Average
			December 31						December 31					December 31
			2013			2012			2013			2012		2013			2012
	Discount rates		4.7	%		3.8	%		4.7	%		4.3	%	4.7	%		4.2	%
	Rates of compensation increase		3	%		3	%		3.4	%		2.8	%	3.3	%		2.8	%
	The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the net periodic pension cost for 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:
			U.S. Plans									International Plans								Global Weighted-Average
			December 31									December 31								December 31
			2013			2012			2011			2013		2012			2011			2013			2012		2011
	Discount rates		3.8	%		4.4	%		5.3	%		4.3	%	4.8	%		5.5	%		4.2	%		4.7	%	5.4	%
	Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets		7.5	%		7.8	%		7.8	%		6.6	%	6.7	%		7.4	%		6.8	%		6.9	%	7.5	%
	Rates of compensation increase		3	%		3	%		3	%		2.8	%	3.4	%		3.3	%		2.8	%		3.4	%	3.3	%
Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations	'
	The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
			U.S. Plans								International Plans
			December 31								December 31
	(In millions)		2013				2012				2013			2012
	Accumulated benefit obligation		$	283.5			$	316.4			$	950.7		$	1,055.70
Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets	'
	The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
			U.S. Plans								International Plans
	(In millions)		December 31				December 31				December 31			December 31
			2013				2012				2013			2012
	Projected benefit obligation		$	274.8			$	306.5			$	926.8		$	1,040.40
	Accumulated benefit obligation		274.8				306.5				923.9			1,029.40
	Fair value of plan assets		222.6				207.7				737.6			749.6
Schedule of Effect of Significant Unobservable Inputs, Changes in Plan Assets	'
	The following table summarizes changes in the fair value of Level 3 assets for 2012 and 2013:
	Level 3 Asset Changes for the Twelve Months Ended December 31
	(In thousands)		2013				2012				2011
	Real Estate Limited Partnership:
	Balance at beginning of year		$	17,746			$	12,025			$	10,184
	Contributions to partnership		838				2,535				5,697
	Cash distributions received		(1,380		)		(1,270		)		(333		)
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Related to asset still held at end of year		3,219				4,456				(3,523		)
	Balance at end of year		$	20,423			$	17,746			$	12,025
Schedule of Multiemployer Plans	'
	(In thousands)
				Pension Protection
				Act Zone Status For				Contributions By The Company															Expiration
				Plan Years Ended				For Plan Years Ended (a)															Date of
																			Subject to				Collective-
																			Financial				Bargaining
		Identification																	Improvement		Surcharge		Agreement
	Pension Fund	Number		2012		2011		2013				2012			2011				Plan		Imposed
	Significant multiemployer plans for which plan financial information is not publicly available outside the Company's financial statements:
	New Zealand Steel Pension Fund	018-054-531		N/A		N/A		$	886			$	909		$	891			Yes		No		2016
	Summary aggregate information for multiemployer plans which are not individually significant:
	All other multiemployer plans (b)							17,007				14,905			19,390
	Total Contributions							$	17,893			$	15,814		$	20,281
	(a)	These amounts represent either contributions for the plan year as confirmed by plan sponsors or the Company's estimates based on its fiscal year accounts payable records which will be updated as confirmation is received from plan sponsors.
U.S. Plans	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets	'
	The asset allocations attributable to the Company's U.S. defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the long-term target allocation of plan assets, by asset category, are as follows:
			Target Long-Term		Percentage of Plan Assets at
			Allocation		December 31
	U.S. Plans Asset Category				2013			2012
	Domestic equity securities		34%-44%		41.8	%		38	%
	International equity securities		14%-24%		19.5	%		19.7	%
	Fixed income securities		27%-37%		25.9	%		30.5	%
	Cash and cash equivalents		Less than 5%		3.2	%		2.3	%
	Other		5%-15%		9.6	%		9.5	%
	The fair values of the Company's U.S. pension plans' assets at December 31, 2013 by asset class are as follows:
	(In thousands)		Total				Level 1				Level 2			Level 3
	Domestic equities:
	Common stocks		$	48,915			$	48,915			$	—		$	—
	Mutual funds—equities		48,807				13,204				35,603			—
	International equities—mutual funds		45,475				45,475				—			—
	Fixed income investments:
	U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities		18,787				—				18,787			—
	Corporate bonds and notes		8,374				8,374				—			—
	Mutual funds—bonds		33,326				33,326				—			—
	Other—mutual funds		22,508				22,508				—			—
	Cash and money market accounts		7,387				7,387				—			—
	Total		$	233,579			$	179,189			$	54,390		$	—
	The fair values of the Company's U.S. pension plans' assets at December 31, 2012 by asset class are as follows:
	(In thousands)		Total				Level 1				Level 2			Level 3
	Domestic equities:
	Common stocks		$	42,142			$	42,142			$	—		$	—
	Mutual funds—equities		40,727				11,110				29,617			—
	International equities—mutual funds		42,962				37,651				5,311			—
	Fixed income investments:
	U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities		22,625				—				22,625			—
	Corporate bonds and notes		7,539				7,539				—			—
	Mutual funds—bonds		36,447				36,447				—			—
	Other—mutual funds		20,667				20,667				—			—
	Cash and money market accounts		4,975				4,975				—			—
	Total		$	218,084			$	160,531			$	57,553		$	—
International Plans	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets	'
	The asset allocations attributable to the Company's international defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2013 and 2012 and the long-term target allocation of plan assets, by asset category, are as follows:
	International Plans Asset Category		Target Long-Term			Percentage of Plan Assets at
			Allocation			December 31
						2013			2012
	Equity securities		37.5	%		38.5	%		34.5	%
	Fixed income securities		42.5	%		42	%		48	%
	Cash and cash equivalents		—			0.3	%		0.2	%
	Other		20	%		19.2	%		17.3	%
	The fair values of the Company's international pension plans' assets at December 31, 2013 by asset class are as follows:
	(In thousands)		Total				Level 1				Level 2			Level 3
	Equity securities:
	Mutual funds—equities		$	296,980			$	—			$	296,980		$	—
	Fixed income investments:
	Mutual funds—bonds		314,965				—				314,965			—
	Insurance contracts		8,797				—				8,797			—
	Other:
	Real estate funds/limited partnerships		52,733				—				32,310			20,423
	Other mutual funds		94,980				—				94,980			—
	Cash and money market accounts		2,456				2,456							—
	Total		$	770,911			$	2,456			$	748,032		$	20,423
	he fair values of the Company's international pension plans' assets at December 31, 2012 by asset class are as follows:
	(In thousands)		Total				Level 1				Level 2			Level 3
	Equity securities:
	Mutual funds—equities		$	269,789			$	—			$	269,789		$	—
	Fixed income investments:
	Mutual funds—bonds		309,274				—				309,274			—
	Insurance contracts		66,900				—				66,900			—
	Other:
	Real estate funds / limited partnerships		49,007				—				31,261			17,746
	Other mutual funds		86,537				—				86,537			—
	Cash and money market accounts		1,552				1,552				—			—
	Total		$	783,059			$	1,552			$	763,761		$	17,746

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign	'
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations consists of the following:
	(In thousands)	2013				2012				2011
	United States	$	(26,855	)		$	40,411			$	47,680
	International	(156,477		)		(258,906		)		(6,015		)
	Total income (loss) before income taxes and equity income	$	(183,332	)		$	(218,495	)		$	41,665
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	'
	Income tax expense as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations consists of the following:
	(In thousands)	2013				2012				2011
	Income tax expense (benefit):
	Currently payable:
	U.S. federal	$	10,949			$	22,603			$	4,249
	U.S. state	1,375				1,561				913
	International	41,015				21,795				23,860
	Total income taxes currently payable	53,339				45,959				29,022
	Deferred U.S. federal	(17,341		)		(3,831		)		670
	Deferred U.S. state	401				(843		)		503
	Deferred international	(1,487		)		(6,034		)		19,653
	Total income tax expense	$	34,912			$	35,251			$	49,848
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	'
	The following is a reconciliation of the normal expected statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate as a percentage of Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations:
		2013			2012			2011
	U.S. federal income tax rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	U.S. state income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	0.5			(0.1	)		2.9
	U.S. domestic manufacturing deductions and credits	2.6			1.7			(9.6	)
	Tax costs of repatriation from the Infrastructure transaction	(7.2	)		—			—
	Difference in effective tax rates on international earnings and remittances	0.2			(0.7	)		(11.7	)
	Uncertain tax position contingencies and settlements	3			2.5			(18.0	)
	Changes in realization on beginning of the year deferred tax assets	(11.0	)		(1.8	)		89.1
	Restructuring charges with no realizable tax benefits	—			(9.8	)		23
	U.S. nondeductible items	(1.6	)		(0.7	)		6
	Loss from disposal from the Infrastructure transaction	(40.9	)		—			—
	Non-deductible goodwill impairment	—			(42.5	)		—
	Cumulative effect of change in statutory tax rates/laws	0.3			0.1			3.5
	Other, net	0.1			0.2			(0.6	)
	Effective income tax rate	(19.0	)%		(16.1	)%		119.6	%
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	'
	The tax effects of the temporary differences giving rise to the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
		2013								2012
	(In thousands)	Asset				Liability				Asset			Liability
	Depreciation and amortization	$	—			$	35,378			$	—		$	99,219
	Expense accruals	28,550				—				38,595			—
	Inventories	3,592				—				2,649			—
	Provision for receivables	752				—				1,677			—
	Deferred revenue	—				1,764				—			2,014
	Operating loss carryforwards	86,236				—				99,475			—
	Foreign tax credit carryforwards	16,085				—				24,223			—
	Capital loss carryforwards	3,177				—				—			—
	Pensions	81,564				—				104,413			—
	Currency adjustments	27,536				—				26,661			—
	Equity investment in Infrastructure strategic venture	—				28,965				—			—
	Unit adjustment liability	39,335				—				—			—
	Post-retirement benefits	1,013				—				1,160			—
	Other	6,159				—				25,324			—
	Subtotal	293,999				66,107				324,177			101,233
	Valuation allowance	(127,164		)		—				(126,532		)	—
	Total deferred income taxes	$	166,835			$	66,107			$	197,645		$	101,233
	The deferred tax asset and liability balances recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
	(In thousands)	2013				2012
	Other current assets	$	44,315			$	45,672
	Other assets	65,105				70,271
	Other current liabilities	475				651
	Deferred income taxes	8,217				18,880
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies	'
	A reconciliation of the change in the unrecognized income tax benefits balance from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2013 is as follows:
	(In thousands)	Unrecognized				Deferred				Unrecognized
		Income Tax				Income Tax				Income Tax
		Benefits				Benefits				Benefits, Net of
										Deferred Income
										Tax Benefits
	Balances, January 1, 2011	$	35,889			$	(738	)		$	35,151
	Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	2,534				(10		)		2,524
	Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	4,014				(11		)		4,003
	Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	(147		)		—				(147		)
	Statutes of limitation expirations	(8,521		)		224				(8,297		)
	Settlements	(361		)		18				(343		)
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	33,408			$	(517	)		$	32,891
	Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	584				(8		)		576
	Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	37				2				39
	Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	(3,987		)		—				(3,987		)
	Statutes of limitation expirations	(5,124		)		154				(4,970		)
	Settlements	—				—				—
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	24,918			$	(369	)		$	24,549
	Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	500				(5		)		495
	Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	145				(4		)		141
	Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	(3,050		)		—				(3,050		)
	Statutes of limitation expirations	(3,348		)		180				(3,168		)
	Settlements	(1,616		)		—				(1,616		)
	Total unrecognized income tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate at December 31, 2013	$	17,549			$	(198	)		$	17,351

Capital_Stock_Tables

Capital Stock (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Share Repurchases	'
	The Board has authorized the repurchase of shares of common stock as follows:
		Shares Authorized			Additional Shares			Shares			Remaining Shares
		to be Purchased			Authorized for			Purchased			Authorized for
		January 1			Purchase						Purchase
											December 31
	2011	2,000,000			—			286,577			1,713,423
	2012	1,713,423			—			—			1,713,423
	2013	1,713,423			286,577			—			2,000,000
Schedule of Common Stock Outstanding Roll Forward	'
	The following table summarizes the Company's common stock:
		Common Stock
		Shares			Treasury			Outstanding
		Issued			Shares (a)			Shares
	Outstanding, January 1, 2011	111,611,102			31,097,043			80,514,059
	Stock options exercised	199,032			41,974			157,058
	Vested restricted stock units	121,133			28,503			92,630
	Treasury shares purchased	—			286,577			(286,577	)
	Outstanding, December 31, 2011	111,931,267			31,454,097			80,477,170
	Stock options exercised	38,900			—			38,900
	Vested restricted stock units	45,898			14,677			31,221
	Other stock grants	47,873			10,536			37,337
	Outstanding, December 31, 2012	112,063,938			31,479,310			80,584,628
	Stock options exercised	20,000			—			20,000
	Vested restricted stock units	25,215			9,358			15,857
	Stock appreciation rights exercised	2,713			521			2.192
	Other stock grants	86,827			30,579			56,248
	Outstanding, December 31, 2013	112,198,693			31,519,768			80,678,925
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	'
	The following is a reconciliation of the average shares of common stock used to compute basic earnings per common share to the shares used to compute diluted earnings per common share as shown in the Consolidated Statements of Operations:
	(In thousands, except per share data)	2013				2012				2011
	Loss from continuing operations attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders	$	(226,449	)		$	(253,693	)		$	(9,447	)
	Weighted-average shares outstanding—basic	80,755				80,632				80,736
	Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation	—				—				—
	Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted	80,755				80,632				80,736
	Loss from continuing operations per common share, attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
	Basic	$	(2.80	)		$	(3.15	)		$	(0.12	)
	Diluted	$	(2.80	)		$	(3.15	)		$	(0.12	)
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	'
	The following average outstanding stock-based compensation units were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect was antidilutive:
	(In thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Restricted stock units	265			148			64
	Stock options	286			389			755
	Stock appreciation rights	1,078			530			—
	Other stock-based compensation units	101			317			554

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Schedule of restricted stock units issued and compensation expense	'
	The following table summarizes RSUs issued and the compensation expense recorded for 2013, 2012 and 2011:
	Stock-Based Compensation Expense
			Restricted			Weighted Average Fair Value			Expense
	(Dollars in thousands, except per unit)		Stock Units						2013				2012				2011
	Directors:
	2010		16,000			30.99			$	—			$	—			$	165
	2011		20,192			34.79			—				234				468
	2012		30,618			21.44			255				402				—
	2013		46,287			20.6			636				—				—
	Employees:
	2008		130,950			45.95			—				—				68
	2009		121,625			25.98			—				43				626
	2010		26,000			23.78			—				21				383
	2011		17,250			23.55			69				195				140
	2012		141,486			18.75			383				525				—
	2013		170,582			20.63			633				—				—
	Total								$	1,976			$	1,420			$	1,850
Schedule of restricted stock unit activity	'
	Restricted stock unit activity for 2013, 2012 and 2011 was as follows:
			Restricted			Weighted Average
			Stock Units			Grant-Date
						Fair Value
	Nonvested at January 1, 2011		140,535			$	30.83
	Granted		37,442			29.61
	Vested		(113,136	)		33.55
	Forfeited		(2,200	)		25.15
	Nonvested at December 31, 2011		62,641			25.39
	Granted		172,104			19.23
	Vested		(67,861	)		24.86
	Forfeited		(25,411	)		20.35
	Nonvested at December 31, 2012		141,473			19.19
	Granted		216,869			20.62
	Vested		(69,955	)		20.54
	Forfeited		(74,546	)		22.61
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013		213,841			$	19.95
Schedule of stock option activity	'
	Stock option activity for 2013, 2012 and 2011 was as follows:
			Shares			Weighted Average				Aggregate
			Under Option			Exercise Price				Intrinsic Value
										(in millions)(a)
	Outstanding, January 1, 2011		273,672			$	16.46			$	3.3
	Granted		617,500			31.75				—
	Exercised		(199,032	)		15.95				—
	Expired		(30,300	)		30.92				—
	Outstanding, December 31, 2011		661,840			30.22				0.2
	Exercised		(38,900	)		18.23				—
	Forfeited/Expired		(294,940	)		31.29				—
	Outstanding, December 31, 2012		328,000			30.67				0.2
	Exercised		(20,000	)		16.96
	Forfeited/Expired		(79,000	)		31
	Outstanding, December 31, 2013		229,000			$	31.75			$	—
	(a)	Intrinsic value is defined as the difference between the current market value and the exercise price, for those options where the market price exceeds the exercise price.
Schedule of outstanding and exercisable options	'
	The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable options at December 31, 2013:
			Options Outstanding											Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercisable Prices		Vested			Unvested			Weighted Average			Weighted Average		Number			Weighted Average
									Exercise			Remaining		Exercisable			Exercise
									Price Per			Contractual					Price Per
									Share			Life in					Share
												Years
	$31.75 - $31.75		80,000			149,000			31.75			4.1		80,000			31.75
Schedule of stock appreciation rights valuation assumptions	'
	The fair value of each SAR grant was estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions:
			March 2012 Grant				May 2012 Grant				September 2012 Grant				May 2013 Grant				June 2013 Grant			November 2013 Grant
	Risk-free interest rate		1.56		%		1.18		%		1		%		1.17		%		1.41		%	1.91		%
	Dividend yield		3.5		%		4.2		%		3.8		%		3.61		%		3.56		%	3.13		%
	Expected life (years)		6.5				6.5				6.5				6.5				6.5			6.5
	Volatility		43.9		%		44		%		44.3		%		44.1		%		44.1		%	43.8		%
	SAR grant price		$	23.73			$	19.65			$	21.37			$	22.7			$	23.03		$	26.22
	Fair value of SAR		$	6.1			$	4.77			$	6.2			$	6.86			$	7.07		$	8.6
Schedule of Stock Appreciation Rights award activity	'
	SARs activity for 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
			SARs
			Number of Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price				Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) (a)
	Outstanding, January 1, 2012		—			$	—			$	—
	Granted		707,012			21.23
	Forfeited/expired		(181,725	)		21.23
	Outstanding, December 31, 2012		525,287			21.23				1.2
	Granted		923,832			22.76
	Exercised		(11,037	)		19.65
	Forfeited		(476,624	)		22.28
	Outstanding, December 31, 2013		961,458			$	22.2			$	5.6
Schedule of nonvested awards activity	'
	The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable SARs at December 31, 2013:
			SARs Outstanding												SARs Exercisable
	Range of exercisable prices		Vested			Unvested			Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share				Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years		Number Exercisable			Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share
	$19.65 - $22.70		77,576			783,239			$	21.98			9.1		77,576			$	20.47
	$23.03 - $26.22		44,377			56,266			24.07				8.5		44,377			23.73
			121,953			839,505			$	22.2			9.1		121,953			$	21.65
Stock options	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Schedule of weighted-average grant-date fair value of unvested options	'
	Weighted-average grant-date fair value of unvested options during the year ended December 31, 2013 was as follows:
			Shares Under Option			Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
	Outstanding, January 1, 2013		304,000			$	10.9
	Vested		(80,000	)		10.9
	Forfeited		(75,000	)		10.9
	Outstanding, December 31, 2013		149,000			$	10.9
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Schedule of weighted-average grant-date fair value of unvested options	'
	Weighted-average grant date fair value of unvested SARs during the year ended December 31, 2013 was as follows:
			Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Unvested shares, January 1, 2013		525,287			$	21.23
	Granted		923,832			22.76
	Vested		(121,953	)		21.65
	Exercised		(11,037	)		19.65
	Forfeited		(476,624	)		22.28
	Unvested shares, December 31, 2013		839,505			$	22.27

Financial_Instruments_Tables

Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value	'
	The fair value of outstanding derivative contracts recorded as assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
			Asset Derivatives						Liability Derivatives
	(in thousands)		Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value				Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value
	31-Dec-13
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		Other current assets		$	40			Other current liabilities		$	17
	Cross currency interest rate swaps		Other assets		26,001				Other liabilities		13,410
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments				$	26,041					$	13,427
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		Other current assets		$	1,216			Other current liabilities		$	3,267
			Asset Derivatives						Liability Derivatives
	(in thousands)		Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value				Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value
	31-Dec-12
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Cross currency interest rate swaps		Other assets		$	39,058			Other liabilities		$	14,346
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		Other current assets		$	853			Other current liabilities		$	1,775
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance	'
	The effect of derivative instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was as follows:
	Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
	(In thousands)		Amount of				Location of Gain	Amount of				Location of Gain	Amount of
			Gain (Loss)				(Loss) Reclassified	Gain (Loss)				(Loss) Recognized	Gain (Loss)
			Recognized in				from Accumulated	Reclassified				in Income on	Recognized
			Other				OCI into Income—Effective	from				Derivative—Ineffective Portion	in Income
			Comprehensive				Portion	Accumulated				and Amount	on Derivative—Ineffective
			Income					OCI into				Excluded from	Portion and
			("OCI") on					Income—Effective				Effectiveness	Amount
			Derivative—Effective					Portion				Testing	Excluded
			Portion										from Effectiveness
													Testing
	Year Ended December 31, 2013:
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		$	48			Cost of services and products sold	$	(8	)		Cost of services and products sold	$	(6	)
	Cross currency interest rate swaps		2,409					—				Cost of services and products sold	(12,061		)	(a)
			$	2,457				$	(8	)			$	(12,067	)
	Year Ended December 31, 2012:
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		$	(152	)		Cost of services and products sold	$	270				$	—
	Cross currency interest rate swaps		(4,748		)			—				Cost of services and products sold	(13,384		)	(a)
			$	(4,900	)			$	270				$	(13,384	)
	Year Ended December 31, 2011:
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		$	887			Cost of services and products sold	$	83				$	—
	Cross currency interest rate swaps		7,230					—				Cost of services and products sold	7,642			(a)
			$	8,117				$	83				$	7,642
	(a)	These gains (losses) offset foreign currency fluctuation effects on the debt principal.
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
			Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative		Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative for the Twelve Months Ended December 31(a)
	(In thousands)				2013				2012				2011
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		Cost of services and products sold		$	(10,463	)		$	(3,529	)		$	7,238
	(a)	These gains (losses) offset amounts recognized in cost of service and products sold principally as a result of intercompany or third-party foreign currency exposures.
Schedule of Derivative Instruments	'
	The following table indicates the contractual amounts of the Company's cross currency interest rate swaps:
			Contractual				Interest Rates
	(In millions)		Amounts				Receive		Pay
	Maturing 2018		$	250			Fixed U.S. dollar rate		Fixed euro rate
	Maturing 2020		220				Fixed U.S. dollar rate		Fixed British pound sterling rate
	Maturing 2013 through 2017		10.2				Floating U.S. dollar rate		Fixed rupee rate
	ontracted Amounts of Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts Outstanding at December 31, 2013:
	(In thousands)		Type		U.S. Dollar				Maturity		Recognized
					Equivalent						Gain (Loss)
	British pounds sterling		Sell		$	26,931			Jan-14		$	(277	)
	British pounds sterling		Buy		1,976				Jan-14		15
	Euros		Sell		248,943				January 2014 through July 2014		(335		)
	Euros		Buy		242,385				January 2014 through March 2014		(1,335		)
	Other currencies		Sell		12,708				January 2014 through July 2014		(134		)
	Other currencies		Buy		8,907				January 2014 through August 2014		38
	Total				$	541,850					$	(2,028	)
	Included in the contracted amounts of foreign currency exchange forward contracts outstanding at December 31, 2013 are $121.2 million of foreign currency exchange forward contracts entered into by the Company under the Transition Services Agreement with Brand. The Company has recognized a $0.7 million mark-to-market liability associated with these foreign currency exchange forward contracts.
	Contracted Amounts of Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts Outstanding at December 31, 2012:
	(In thousands)		Type		U.S. Dollar				Maturity		Recognized
					Equivalent						Gain (Loss)
	British pounds sterling		Sell		$	—					$	—
	British pounds sterling		Buy		6,141				January 2013 through February 2013		58
	Euros		Sell		264,234				January 2013 through March 2013		(1,082		)
	Euros		Buy		116,618				January 2013 through February 2013		187
	Other currencies		Sell		2,811				January 2013 through March 2013		(15		)
	Other currencies		Buy		44,291				Jan-13		(71		)
	Total				$	434,095					$	(923	)
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	'
	The following table indicates the fair value hierarchy of the financial instruments of the Company at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
	Level 2 Fair Value Measurements		December 31				December 31
	(In thousands)		2013				2012
	Assets
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		$	1,256			$	853
	Cross currency interest rate swaps		26,001				39,058
	Liabilities
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		3,284				1,775
	Cross currency interest rate swaps		13,410				14,346
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	'
	The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances for liabilities measured on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) for 2013:
	Level 3 Liabilities—Unit Adjustment Liability for the Twelve Months Ended December 31		2013
	(In thousands)
	Balance at beginning of year		$	—
	Recognition of unit adjustment liability		107,500
	Payments		(2,123		)
	Change in fair value to unit adjustment liability		966
	Balance at end of year		$	106,343

Information_by_Segment_and_Geo1

Information by Segment and Geographic Area (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas	'
	Countries with revenues from unaffiliated customers or net property, plant and equipment of ten percent or more of the consolidated totals (in at least one period presented) are as follows:
	Information by Geographic Area (a)
			Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers
			Year Ended December 31
	(In thousands)		2013			2012			2011
	United States		$	1,021,770		$	1,108,051		$	1,087,454
	United Kingdom		353,915			331,894			398,222
	All Other		1,520,835			1,606,073			1,817,064
	Totals including Corporate		$	2,896,520		$	3,046,018		$	3,302,740
	(a)	Revenues are attributed to individual countries based on the location of the facility generating the revenue.
Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block]	'
			Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
			Balances at December 31
	(In thousands)		2013			2012			2011
	United States		$	147,820		$	242,890		$	276,966
	China		86,822			55,656			21,700
	All Other		476,704			967,679			975,818
	Totals including Corporate		$	711,346		$	1,266,225		$	1,274,484
Schedule of Segment Operating Information by Segment	'
	Operating Information by Segment:
			Year Ended
			December 31
	(In thousands)		2013			2012			2011
	Revenues
	Harsco Metals & Minerals		$	1,359,004		$	1,404,103		$	1,588,302
	Harsco Infrastructure		885,377			937,293			1,108,293
	Harsco Rail		286,167			352,036			300,029
	Harsco Industrial		365,972			352,586			306,116
	Total Revenues		$	2,896,520		$	3,046,018		$	3,302,740
	Operating Income (Loss)
	Harsco Metals & Minerals		$	80,801		$	85,523		$	109,593
	Harsco Infrastructure		(275,762		)	(368,657		)	(125,555		)
	Harsco Rail		28,299			56,079			58,746
	Harsco Industrial		61,035			60,160			50,656
	Corporate		(29,172		)	(7,895		)	(5,791		)
	Total Operating Income (Loss)		$	(134,799	)	$	(174,790	)	$	87,649
	Total Assets
	Harsco Metals & Minerals		$	1,595,221		$	1,561,973		$	1,537,538
	Harsco Infrastructure (a)		456,323			1,018,979			1,371,143
	Harsco Rail		159,774			188,348			213,410
	Harsco Industrial		83,189			81,035			80,784
	Corporate		147,241			125,634			136,002
	Total Assets		$	2,441,748		$	2,975,969		$	3,338,877
	Depreciation and Amortization
	Harsco Metals & Minerals		$	158,837		$	163,137		$	183,784
	Harsco Infrastructure		58,449			89,814			107,621
	Harsco Rail		10,362			10,116			10,133
	Harsco Industrial		3,329			3,098			2,805
	Corporate		6,064			5,952			6,098
	Total Depreciation and Amortization		$	237,041		$	272,117		$	310,441
	Capital Expenditures
	Harsco Metals & Minerals		$	173,179		$	189,358		$	212,009
	Harsco Infrastructure		62,889			63,137			88,456
	Harsco Rail		3,502			4,133			4,497
	Harsco Industrial		3,936			3,669			4,938
	Corporate		2,641			4,726			3,201
	Total Capital Expenditures		$	246,147		$	265,023		$	313,101
	(a) The total assets of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment at December 31, 2013 represent assets held-for-sale, the value of the equity method investment in Brand, and related net deferred tax assets.
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated	'
	Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income (Loss) to Consolidated Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity Income:
			Year Ended
			December 31
	(In thousands)		2013			2012			2011
	Segment operating income (loss)		$	(105,627	)	$	(166,895	)	$	93,440
	General Corporate expense		(29,172		)	(7,895		)	(5,791		)
	Operating income (loss) from continuing operations		(134,799		)	(174,790		)	87,649
	Interest income		2,087			3,676			2,751
	Interest expense		(49,654		)	(47,381		)	(48,735		)
	Change in fair value to unit adjustment liability		(966		)	—			—
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income		$	(183,332	)	$	(218,495	)	$	41,665
Schedule of Product Information	'
	Information about Products and Services:
			Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers
			Year Ended
			December 31
	(In thousands)		2013			2012			2011
	Product Group
	Outsourced, on-site services to steel mills and other metals producers and resource recovery technologies for the re-use of industrial waste stream by-products		$	1,292,511		$	1,333,248		$	1,518,902
	Engineered scaffolding, concrete forming and shoring, and other access-related services, rentals and sales (a)		885,377			937,293			1,108,293
	Railway track maintenance services and equipment		286,167			352,036			300,029
	Air-cooled heat exchangers		180,738			175,896			142,960
	Industrial grating products		142,355			136,157			113,388
	Industrial abrasives and roofing granules		66,493			70,855			69,399
	Heat transfer products		42,879			40,533			49,769
	Consolidated Revenues		$	2,896,520		$	3,046,018		$	3,302,740

Other_Expenses_Tables

Other Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]	'
Schedule of other expenses (income)	'
	The major components of this Consolidated Statements of Operations caption are as follows:
		Other (Income) Expenses
	(In thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Net gains	$	(4,657	)	$	(5,848	)	$	(6,162	)
	Contingent consideration adjustments	—			—			(3,966		)
	Employee termination benefit costs	3,928			31,158			36,174
	Costs to exit activities	5,382			38,626			10,007
	Product line rationalization	—			24,966			66,063
	Impaired asset write-downs	9,688			7,152			—
	Other (income) expense	769			(2,278		)	624
	Total	$	15,110		$	93,776		$	102,740
Schedule of net gains from sales of redundant properties and non-core assets	'
		Net Gains
	(In thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment	$	(1,043	)	$	(2,449	)	$	(1,666	)
	Harsco Infrastructure Segment	(2,864		)	(2,198		)	(3,607		)
	Harsco Industrial Segment	(750		)	(1,089		)	(889		)
	Corporate	—			(112		)	—
	Total	$	(4,657	)	$	(5,848	)	$	(6,162	)
Schedule of reductions to previously recognized contingent consideration liabilities	'
	The Company's assessment of these performance goals resulted in the following reductions to previously recognized contingent consideration liabilities:
		Contingent Consideration Adjustments
	(In thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Harsco Infrastructure Segment	$	—		$	—		$	(3,966	)
Schedule of employee termination benefit costs	'
		Employee Termination Benefit Costs
	(In thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment	$	3,561		$	8,082		$	18,533
	Harsco Infrastructure Segment (a)	(326		)	17,291			16,546
	Harsco Rail Segment	235			245			296
	Harsco Industrial Segment	115			418			423
	Corporate	343			5,122			376
	Total	$	3,928		$	31,158		$	36,174
Schedule of exit costs	'
		Costs to Exit Activities
	(In thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment	$	2,705		$	3,627		$	1,313
	Harsco Infrastructure Segment (a)	(254		)	34,820			8,694
	Corporate	2,931			179			$	—
	Total	$	5,382		$	38,626		$	10,007
Schedule of impaired asset write-downs	'
		Impaired Asset Write-downs
	(In thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment	$	689		$	7,152		$	—
	Harsco Rail Segment	8,999			—			—
	Total	$	9,688		$	7,152		$	—

Components_of_Accumulated_Othe1

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'
Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss	'
	The components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of the effect of income taxes, and activity for the year ended December 31, 2013 are as follows:
		Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax
	(In thousands)	Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments				Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments				Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations				Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	62,308			$	(8,139	)		$	(465,286	)		$	(51	)	$	(411,168	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(39,848		)	(a)	1,060			(b)	55,581			(c)	31			16,824
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—				8				19,839				—			19,847
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction (See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions)	(15,979		)		(21		)		20,184				—			4,184
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(55,827		)		1,047				95,604				31			40,855
	Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(371		)		69				—				—			(302		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	(56,198		)		1,116				95,604				31			40,553
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	6,110			$	(7,023	)		$	(369,682	)		$	(20	)	$	(370,615	)
	(a) Principally foreign currency fluctuation.
	(b) Net change from periodic revaluations.
	(c) Principally changes due to annual actuarial remeasurements.
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss	'
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2013 are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31, 2013				Affected Caption in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
	(In thousands)
	Amortization of defined benefit pension items (a):
	Actuarial losses	$	12,435		(b)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
	Actuarial losses	9,064			(b)	Cost of services and products sold
	Prior-service costs	298			(b)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
	Prior-service costs	285			(b)	Cost of services and products sold
	Total before tax	22,082
	Tax benefit	(2,243		)
	Total reclassification of defined benefit pension items, net of tax	$	19,839
	Amortization of cash flow hedging instruments (a):
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	11			Cost of services and products sold
	Tax benefit	(3		)
	Total reclassification of cash flow hedging instruments	$	8
	(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate credits to profit/loss.
	(b) These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic pension costs. Please refer to Note 10, Employee Benefit Plans, for additional details.
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31, 2013				Affected Caption in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
	(In thousands)
	Foreign exchange translation adjustments, before tax	$	(15,979	)		Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs
	Tax effect	—
	Total reclassification of foreign exchange transaction adjustments	$	(15,979	)
	Cash flow hedging instruments, before tax	$	(34	)		Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs
	Tax effect	13
	Total reclassification of cash flow hedging instruments	$	(21	)
	Defined benefit pension items, before tax	$	20,184			Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs
	Tax effect	—
	Total reclassification of defined benefit pension items	$	20,184

Restructuring_Programs_Tables

Restructuring Programs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
2011/2012 Restructuring Program	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost	'
	(In thousands)	Accrual		Non-Cash			Cash			Foreign			Transfers Between Segments (a)			Other Transfers (b)			Remaining
		December 31		Charges /			Payments			Currency									Accrual
		2012		Adjustments						Translation									31-Dec
																			2013
	Harsco Infrastructure Segment
	Employee termination benefit costs	$	6,999	$	(1,000	)	$	(5,087	)	$	(245	)	$	—		$	(667	)	$	—
	Cost to exit activities	9,000		(691		)	(3,269		)	(55		)	(3,248		)	(1,737		)	—
	Total Harsco Infrastructure Segment	15,999		(1,691		)	(8,356		)	(300		)	(3,248		)	(2,404		)	—
	Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment
	Employee termination benefit costs	6,494		(139		)	(4,516		)	(33		)	—			—			1,806
	Cost to exit activities	499		(207		)	(205		)	8			—			—			95
	Total Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment	6,993		(346		)	(4,721		)	(25		)	—			—			1,901
	Harsco Corporate
	Employee termination benefit costs	13		2			(15		)	—			—			—			—
	Cost to exit activities	—		—			(62		)	—			3,248			—			3,186
	Total Harsco Corporate	13		2			(77		)	—			3,248			—			3,186
	Total	$	23,005	$	(2,035	)	$	(13,154	)	$	(325	)	$	—		$	(2,404	)	$	5,087
	(a) The Company transferred $3.2 million of lease obligations included in the cost to exit activities caption from the Harsco Infrastructure Segment to
	Corporate. These are liabilities not included as part of the Infrastructure transaction and retained by the Company.
	(b) As part of the Infrastructure transaction, the Company transferred certain restructuring program accruals to Brand.
Fourth Quarter 2010 Harsco Infrastructure Program	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost	'
	(In thousands)	Accrual		Non-Cash			Cash			Foreign			Other Transfers (a)			Remaining
		December 31		Charges /			Payments			Currency						Accrual
		2012		Adjustments						Translation						31-Dec
																2013
	Harsco Infrastructure Segment
	Cost to exit activities	$	6,791	$	(695	)	$	(506	)	$	(3	)	$	(5,587	)	$	—
	Total	$	6,791	$	(695	)	$	(506	)	$	(3	)	$	(5,587	)	$	—
Prior restructuring programs	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost	'
	.

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	Dec. 31, 2013
	ReportingUnit
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Total number of the Company's reporting units	7
Number of reporting units which have goodwill associated with them	3
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Number of reporting units which have goodwill associated with them	2

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Warranty activity	'	'	'
Warranty reserves, beginning of the year	$9,092,000	$5,596,000	$5,037,000
Accruals for warranties issued during the year	5,016,000	7,935,000	4,003,000
Reductions related to pre-existing warranties	-1,966,000	-2,401,000	-1,769,000
Warranties paid	-2,573,000	-1,958,000	-1,677,000
Other (principally foreign currency translation)	-21,000	-80,000	2,000
Warranty reserves, beginning of the year	9,548,000	9,092,000	5,596,000
Self-insurance	'	'	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Insurance expense from continuing operations	30,000,000	33,800,000	37,000,000
Decrease in pre-tax insurance expense due to retrospective insurance reserve adjustments from continuing operations	7,200,000	4,300,000	2,700,000
Liabilities for asserted and unasserted claims	52,400,000	82,700,000	'
Liabilities covered by insurance carriers	$4,000,000	'	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3) (Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts, Maximum)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts | Maximum	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Maximum typical term of foreign currency forward exchange contracts (in days)	'90 days

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Prior period adjustments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements Adjustment Amount	$3	$2.60
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements Amount Per Diluted Share	$0.04	$0.03

Acquisitions_and_Dispositions_1

Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended				3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 15, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
					Harsco Infrastructure [Member]	Harsco Infrastructure [Member]	Harsco Infrastructure [Member]	Harsco Infrastructure [Member]	Gas Technologies Divestiture	Gas Technologies Divestiture	Gas Technologies Divestiture
								Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member]
Acquisitions and Dispositions [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reduction of contingent consideration liabilities	$0	$0	$3,966,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Income Attributable to the Company and Transfers to Noncontrolling Interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net loss attributable to the Company	-227,941,000	-254,612,000	-11,510,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net increase in the Company's paid-in capital for changes to noncontrolling interests	711,000	0	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Change from net loss attributable to the Company and changes to noncontrolling interest	-227,230,000	-254,612,000	-11,510,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Noncurrent Assets	'	'	'	'	109,000	'	109,000	'	'	'	'
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net	'	'	'	'	10,343,000	'	10,343,000	'	'	'	'
Insurance liabilities	41,879,000	63,248,000	'	'	2,210,000	'	2,210,000	'	'	'	'
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory	'	'	'	'	5,898,000	'	5,898,000	'	'	'	'
Insurance liabilities	10,523,000	19,434,000	'	'	21,000	'	21,000	'	'	'	'
Other receivables	46,470,000	39,836,000	'	'	65,728,000	'	65,728,000	'	'	'	'
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accrued Income Taxes Payable	'	'	'	'	1,105,000	'	1,105,000	'	'	'	'
Trade Receivables Held-for-sale, Net	'	'	'	'	28,471,000	'	28,471,000	'	'	'	'
Accrued compensation	53,113,000	94,398,000	'	'	4,618,000	'	4,618,000	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	93,605,000	95,250,000	121,184,000	124,238,000	1,290,000	'	1,290,000	'	'	'	'
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable	'	'	'	'	4,143,000	'	4,143,000	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from Infrastructure transaction	303,039,000	0	0	'	'	300,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment	271,296,000	0	0	'	30,000,000	241,300,000	'	'	'	'	'
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	29.00%	'	'	'
Divestiture Of Businesses, Transaction Expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	20,100,000	'	'	'	'
After-tax loss from discontinued operations	1,492,000	919,000	2,063,000	'	'	'	'	'	1,500,000	900,000	2,100,000
Assets held-for-sale, current	'	'	'	'	2,129,000	'	2,129,000	'	'	'	'
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Current Liabilities	'	'	'	'	97,079,000	'	97,079,000	'	'	'	'
Assets held-for-sale	113,968,000	2,399,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Liabilities of assets held-for-sale	$109,176,000	$0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Accounts_Receivable_and_Invent2

Accounts Receivable and Inventories (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract]	'	'	'
Trade accounts receivable	$359,819,000	$617,517,000	'
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	-6,638,000	-17,253,000	'
Trade accounts receivable, net	353,181,000	600,264,000	'
Other receivables	46,470,000	39,836,000	'
Provision for doubtful accounts related to trae accounts receivable	10,175,000	11,266,000	7,880,000
Inventories	'	'	'
Finished goods	23,112,000	69,904,000	'
Work-in-process	25,623,000	28,944,000	'
Raw materials and purchased parts	72,118,000	99,058,000	'
Stores and supplies	34,836,000	38,606,000	'
Total inventories	155,689,000	236,512,000	'
Valued at lower of cost or market:	'	'	'
LIFO basis	94,939,000	108,633,000	'
FIFO basis	9,859,000	14,641,000	'
Average cost basis	50,891,000	113,238,000	'
Total inventories	155,689,000	236,512,000	'
Excess of inventories valued at current costs over LIFO	28,400,000	28,500,000	'
Change in income as a result of LIFO basis inventory valuation over FIFO basis valuation	'	$100,000	$100,000

Equity_Method_Investments_Deta

Equity Method Investments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 15, 2013
				Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member]	Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member]	Harsco Infrastructure [Member]
				Y	Discounted Cash Flow Approach Valuation Technique [Member]	Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of ownership in Brand	'	'	'	'	'	29.00%
Book value of Company's investment in Brand	$298,856,000	$3,201,000	'	'	'	'
Total annual payments, pre-tax	'	'	'	22,000,000	'	'
Total annual payments, after-tax	'	'	'	15,000,000	'	'
Transfer of ownership interest, percentage	'	'	'	2.50%	'	'
Investee EBITDA contingency threshold	'	'	'	479,000,000	'	'
Number of years after agreement that would terminate Company's quarterly payments contingency threshold	'	'	'	8	'	'
In event of an IPO, minimum co-venture interest in partnership that could terminate Company's quarterly payments	'	'	'	20.00%	'	'
Liquidation preference	'	'	'	336,000,000	'	'
Change in fair value to unit adjustment liability	966,000	0	0	'	'	'
Unit adjustment liability, current and non-current	$106,300,000	'	'	'	'	'
Fair value unobservable input, WACC rate	'	'	'	'	9.50%	'

Equity_Method_Investments_Deta1

Equity Method Investments (Details 2) (Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Equity method investment - Brand, fair value	296,082
Discounted Cash Flow Approach Valuation Technique [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Fair value unobservable input, WACC rate	9.50%
Discounted Cash Flow Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Minimum	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Fair value unobservable input, EBITDA margin	10.90%
Fair value unobservable input, ratio of capital expenditures to revenue	2.90%
Fair value unobservable input, long-term revenue growth	3.00%
Fair value unobservable input, WACC rate	9.25%
Fair value unobservable input, cost of equity	12.50%
Fair value unobservable input, implied exit EBITDA multiple	7
Fair value unobservable input, discount for lack of marketability	15.00%
Discounted Cash Flow Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Maximum	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Fair value unobservable input, EBITDA margin	12.60%
Fair value unobservable input, ratio of capital expenditures to revenue	3.80%
Fair value unobservable input, long-term revenue growth	3.00%
Fair value unobservable input, WACC rate	9.25%
Fair value unobservable input, cost of equity	12.50%
Fair value unobservable input, implied exit EBITDA multiple	7.5
Fair value unobservable input, discount for lack of marketability	15.00%

Equity_Method_Investments_Deta2

Equity Method Investments (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Balances due from Brand	$85,908
Balances due to Brand	$149,325

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Land

Land

Land improvements

Land improvements

Land improvements

Land improvements

Buildings and improvements

Buildings and improvements

Buildings and improvements

Buildings and improvements

Machinery and equipment

Machinery and equipment

Machinery and equipment

Machinery and equipment

Uncompleted construction

Uncompleted construction

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital leases included in plant, property and equipment

$23,500,000

$5,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross property, plant and equipment

2,278,614,000

3,288,630,000

'

16,652,000

26,336,000

13,615,000

14,199,000

'

'

192,346,000

190,078,000

'

'

1,969,493,000

2,950,384,000

'

'

86,508,000

107,633,000

Less: Accumulated depreciation

-1,567,268,000

-2,022,405,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, plant and equipment, net

$711,346,000

$1,266,225,000

$1,274,484,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated Useful Lives

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'20 years

'

'

'5 years

'40 years

'

'

'3 years

'20 years

'

'

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	$429,198	$680,901	'
Changes to goodwill	'	-2,295	'
Goodwill impairment	0	-265,038	0
Foreign currency translation	2,067	15,630	'
Balance at the end of the period	431,265	429,198	680,901
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment	'	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	419,888	411,876	'
Changes to goodwill	'	0	'
Goodwill impairment	'	0	'
Foreign currency translation	2,067	8,012	'
Balance at the end of the period	421,955	419,888	'
Harsco Infrastructure [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	0	259,715	'
Changes to goodwill	'	-2,295	'
Goodwill impairment	'	-265,038	'
Foreign currency translation	0	7,618	'
Balance at the end of the period	0	0	'
Harsco Rail [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	9,310	9,310	'
Changes to goodwill	'	0	'
Goodwill impairment	'	0	'
Foreign currency translation	0	0	'
Balance at the end of the period	$9,310	$9,310	'

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Intangible assets, net	$53,261	$77,726	'
Gross Carrying Amount	196,695	250,338	'
Accumulated Amortization	143,434	172,612	'
Amortization expense for intangible assets	13,800	17,600	31,500
Estimated amortization expense for the next five years	'	'	'
2014	8,500	'	'
2015	7,250	'	'
2016	6,750	'	'
2017	3,750	'	'
2018	3,500	'	'
Customer related	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	150,307	183,862	'
Accumulated Amortization	110,889	129,904	'
Non-compete agreements	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	1,126	1,347	'
Accumulated Amortization	1,024	1,310	'
Patents	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	6,211	6,909	'
Accumulated Amortization	5,273	5,503	'
Technology related	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	27,185	29,588	'
Accumulated Amortization	18,931	17,551	'
Trade names	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	4,113	18,685	'
Accumulated Amortization	2,969	11,688	'
Other	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	7,753	9,947	'
Accumulated Amortization	$4,348	$6,656	'

Debt_and_Credit_Agreements_Det

Debt and Credit Agreements (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 15, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Senior Notes [Member]

U.S. commercial paper program

Credit Agreement

Credit Agreement

Credit Agreement

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

5.125% notes due September 15, 2013

bank

5.125% notes due September 15, 2013

5.125% notes due September 15, 2013

5.75% notes due May 15, 2018

5.75% notes due May 15, 2018

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.75%

'

Debt Issuance Cost

'

'

'

'

'

$300,000

$400,000

'

'

'

'

Facility Limit

'

'

'

'

525,000,000

525,000,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

Stated interest rate

'

'

5.13%

'

'

'

'

'

5.13%

5.75%

5.75%

Outstanding Balance

'

'

'

35,000,000

'

35,000,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

Other Borrowings

'

89,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Extinguishment of Debt, Amount

'

'

150,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Available Credit

'

'

'

'

'

490,000,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

Number of lenders providing credit facility (in banks)

'

'

'

'

14

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contingent increase to maximum borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

550,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Variable basis of interest rates

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'

Short-term borrowings

$7,489,000

$8,560,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average interest rate

10.80%

4.90%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

{F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOmYwMzE0Y2Q0ZmNiYjQxM2M4NDcyNjBkY2I3M2ExMjZjfFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246NDlBNkE4OTk4MDY4NUQ1MUE2NzRDNTBDQTI3MEYyQjcM}

Debt_and_Credit_Agreements_Det1

Debt and Credit Agreements (Details 2) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 12, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Other financing payable in varying amounts due principally through 2018 with a weighted-average interest rate of 2.7% and 9.4% at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively

Other financing payable in varying amounts due principally through 2018 with a weighted-average interest rate of 2.7% and 9.4% at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively

Line of credit

Line of credit

Line of credit

Line of credit

5.75% notes due May 15, 2018

5.75% notes due May 15, 2018

5.125% notes due September 15, 2013

5.125% notes due September 15, 2013

2.7% notes due October 15, 2015

2.7% notes due October 15, 2015

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stated interest rate

'

'

'

5.75%

5.75%

'

5.13%

2.70%

2.70%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt

$803,415,000

$960,706,000

'

$448,268,000

$447,931,000

$0

$149,875,000

$249,373,000

$249,022,000

$105,774,000

$113,878,000

'

'

'

'

Less: current maturities

-20,257,000

-3,278,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total Long-term Debt

783,158,000

957,428,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.60%

2.70%

'

'

'

'

Cash payments for interest on all debt

50,100,000

45,500,000

46,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum proportion of subsidiary consolidated indebtedness to consolidated tangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.00%

'

'

'

Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, numerator

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.5

'

'

Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, denominator

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

'

'

Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage

'

'

'

5.75%

'

'

'

101.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Covenants Redemption Price as Percentage of Principal

'

'

'

101.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Issuance Cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000

400,000

Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2015

267,835,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2016

19,643,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2017

42,667,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2018

$451,860,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Leases_Details

Leases (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Rental expense for property, plant and equipment	$51,700,000	$54,900,000	$66,100,000
Operating leases	'	'	'
2014	11,610,000	'	'
2015	8,277,000	'	'
2016	5,271,000	'	'
2017	2,937,000	'	'
2018	1,617,000	'	'
After 2018	11,218,000	'	'
Minimum rentals to be received under noncancelable subleases	200,000	'	'
Harsco Infrastructure [Member]	'	'	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Rental expense for property, plant and equipment	$33,800,000	'	'

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net periodic pension cost, U.S. Plans	$21,379	$20,673	$20,470
Net periodic pension cost, International Plans	32,242	35,861	33,069
U.S. Plans	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'
Multiemployer plans	12,444	10,186	13,264
International Plans	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'
Multiemployer plans	5,449	5,539	6,547
U.S. Plans	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined contribution plans	4,945	5,066	5,434
U.S. Plans | Maximum	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Employer matching contribution (as a percent)	4.00%	'	'
Employer discretionary contribution (as a percent)	2.00%	'	'
International Plans	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Additional contribution towards insurance and administrative costs (as a percent)	2.00%	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined contribution plans	11,139	12,770	14,157
International Plans | Maximum	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Employer matching contribution (as a percent)	6.00%	'	'
U.S. Plans	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'
Service cost	2,565	1,887	1,557
Interest cost	11,767	12,780	13,468
Expected return on plan assets	-15,642	-15,617	-16,480
Recognized prior service costs	248	224	245
Recognized losses	5,052	4,637	2,982
Amortization of transition liability	0	0	0
Settlement/curtailment loss (gain)	0	1,510	0
Defined benefit plans pension cost	3,990	5,421	1,772
International Plans	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'
Service cost	3,457	3,418	4,350
Interest cost	42,707	46,174	48,768
Expected return on plan assets	-46,920	-45,050	-52,735
Recognized prior service costs	335	397	424
Recognized losses	16,447	15,194	11,332
Amortization of transition liability	0	8	43
Settlement/curtailment loss (gain)	-372	-2,589	183
Defined benefit plans pension cost	$15,654	$17,552	$12,365

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details1

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract]	'	'	'
Noncurrent liabilities	-241,049,000	-385,062,000	'
Global Weighted-Average	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discount rates	4.20%	4.70%	5.40%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	6.80%	6.90%	7.50%
Rates of compensation increase	2.80%	3.40%	3.30%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	7.00%	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discount rates	4.70%	4.20%	'
Rates of compensation increase	3.30%	2.80%	'
U.S. Plans	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	316,448,000	298,769,000	'
Service cost	2,565,000	1,887,000	1,557,000
Interest cost	11,767,000	12,780,000	13,468,000
Plan participants' contributions	0	0	'
Amendments	0	0	'
Actuarial loss	-28,158,000	27,803,000	'
Settlements/curtailments	0	-3,029,000	'
Benefits paid	-19,051,000	-21,762,000	'
Effect of foreign currency	0	0	'
Change in benefit obligation, Infrastructure transaction	0	0	'
Other	0	0	'
Benefit obligation at end of year	283,571,000	316,448,000	298,769,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	218,084,000	209,237,000	'
Actual return on plan assets	31,931,000	27,429,000	'
Employer contributions	2,615,000	6,254,000	'
Plan participants' contributions	0	0	'
Settlements/curtailments	0	-3,074,000	'
Benefits paid	-19,051,000	-21,762,000	'
Effect of foreign currency	0	0	'
Other	0	0	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	233,579,000	218,084,000	209,237,000
Funded status at end of year	-49,992,000	-98,364,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract]	'	'	'
Noncurrent assets	2,148,000	490,000	'
Current liabilities	-2,045,000	-2,531,000	'
Noncurrent liabilities	-50,095,000	-96,323,000	'
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax	109,348,000	159,094,000	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net actuarial loss	109,081,000	158,579,000	'
Prior service cost	267,000	515,000	'
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax	109,348,000	159,094,000	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Amounts that Will be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Next Fiscal Year [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net actuarial loss	3,352,000	'	'
Prior service cost	90,000	'	'
Total	3,442,000	'	'
Estimate of expected contributions in next fiscal year	7,800,000	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'
2014	24,500,000	'	'
2015	17,600,000	'	'
2016	18,000,000	'	'
2017	17,700,000	'	'
2018	17,800,000	'	'
2019-2023	91,100,000	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discount rates	3.80%	4.40%	5.30%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	7.50%	7.80%	7.80%
Rates of compensation increase	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	7.50%	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discount rates	4.70%	3.80%	'
Rates of compensation increase	3.00%	3.00%	'
Number of U.S. dollar-denomincated, AA-graded corporate bonds in yield curve universe	500	'	'
Highest yield U.S. dollar-denominated, AA-graded corporate bonds excluded from yield curve univers (as a percent)	10.00%	'	'
Lowest yield U.S. dollar-denominated, AA-graded corporate bonds excluded from yield curve universe (as a percent)	10.00%	'	'
International Plans	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	1,068,750,000	968,218,000	'
Service cost	3,457,000	3,418,000	4,350,000
Interest cost	42,707,000	46,174,000	48,768,000
Plan participants' contributions	689,000	830,000	'
Amendments	-394,000	60,000	'
Actuarial loss	-8,245,000	65,379,000	'
Settlements/curtailments	-1,619,000	-9,506,000	'
Benefits paid	-46,269,000	-44,968,000	'
Effect of foreign currency	19,744,000	39,181,000	'
Change in benefit obligation, Infrastructure transaction	-120,115,000	0	'
Other	0	-36,000	'
Benefit obligation at end of year	958,705,000	1,068,750,000	968,218,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	783,059,000	714,163,000	'
Actual return on plan assets	68,535,000	58,194,000	'
Employer contributions	30,258,000	29,713,000	'
Plan participants' contributions	689,000	830,000	'
Settlements/curtailments	-1,028,000	-3,885,000	'
Benefits paid	-46,269,000	-44,968,000	'
Benefits paid	-45,207,000	-43,954,000	'
Effect of foreign currency	11,455,000	27,998,000	'
Other	-76,850,000	0	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	770,911,000	783,059,000	714,163,000
Funded status at end of year	-187,794,000	-285,691,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract]	'	'	'
Noncurrent assets	3,894,000	5,892,000	'
Current liabilities	-534,000	-1,048,000	'
Noncurrent liabilities	-191,154,000	-290,535,000	'
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax	401,300,000	469,949,000	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net actuarial loss	400,726,000	467,438,000	'
Prior service cost	574,000	2,511,000	'
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax	401,300,000	469,949,000	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Amounts that Will be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Next Fiscal Year [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net actuarial loss	14,224,000	'	'
Prior service cost	190,000	'	'
Total	14,414,000	'	'
Estimate of expected contributions in next fiscal year	30,600,000	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'
2014	44,000,000	'	'
2015	45,700,000	'	'
2016	47,700,000	'	'
2017	49,400,000	'	'
2018	51,500,000	'	'
2019-2023	285,500,000	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discount rates	4.30%	4.80%	5.50%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	6.60%	6.70%	7.40%
Rates of compensation increase	2.80%	3.40%	3.30%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	6.80%	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discount rates	4.70%	4.30%	'
Rates of compensation increase	3.40%	2.80%	'

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details2

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Dividends paid	$66,228,000	$66,132,000	$66,176,000
U.S. Plans	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	283,500	316,400	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	274,800	306,500	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	274,800	306,500	'
Fair value of plan assets	222,600	207,700	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of capital market results simulated in the model for expected return on plan assets	1,000	'	'
Period for which results of capital markets are simulated	'20 years	'	'
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	7.50%	7.80%	7.80%
Number of shares of Company's common stock included in plan assets	450,000	450,000	'
Value of shares of Company's common stock included in plan assets	12,600,000	10,600,000	'
Dividends paid	400,000	400,000	400,000
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	7.50%	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	233,579,000	218,084,000	209,237,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	218,084,000	209,237,000	'
Employer contributions	2,615,000	6,254,000	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	233,579,000	218,084,000	209,237,000
U.S. Plans | Equity securities | United States	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	41.80%	38.00%	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Target Long-Term Allocation - Minimum	34.00%	'	'
Target Long-Term Allocation - Maximum	44.00%	'	'
U.S. Plans | Equity securities | International	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	19.50%	19.70%	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Target Long-Term Allocation - Minimum	14.00%	'	'
Target Long-Term Allocation - Maximum	24.00%	'	'
U.S. Plans | Harsco common stock	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	5.40%	4.80%	'
U.S. Plans | Fixed income securities	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	25.90%	30.50%	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Target Long-Term Allocation - Minimum	27.00%	'	'
Target Long-Term Allocation - Maximum	37.00%	'	'
U.S. Plans | Other	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	9.60%	9.50%	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Target Long-Term Allocation - Minimum	5.00%	'	'
Target Long-Term Allocation - Maximum	15.00%	'	'
U.S. Plans | Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	3.20%	2.30%	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Target Long-Term Allocation - Maximum	5.00%	'	'
U.S. Plans | Level 1	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	179,189,000	160,531,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	179,189,000	160,531,000	'
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Equity securities | United States	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	48,915,000	42,142,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	48,915,000	42,142,000	'
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Mutual funds - equities | United States	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	13,204,000	11,110,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	13,204,000	11,110,000	'
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Mutual funds - equities | International	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	45,475,000	37,651,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	45,475,000	37,651,000	'
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	0	0	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Corporate bonds and notes	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	8,374,000	7,539,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	8,374,000	7,539,000	'
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Mutual funds - bonds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	33,326,000	36,447,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	33,326,000	36,447,000	'
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Other mutual funds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	22,508,000	20,667,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	22,508,000	20,667,000	'
U.S. Plans | Level 1 | Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	7,387,000	4,975,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	7,387,000	4,975,000	'
U.S. Plans | Level 2	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	54,390,000	57,553,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	54,390,000	57,553,000	'
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | Equity securities | United States	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	0	0	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | Mutual funds - equities | United States	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	35,603,000	29,617,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	35,603,000	29,617,000	'
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | Mutual funds - equities | International	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	0	5,311,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	5,311,000	'
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	18,787,000	22,625,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	18,787,000	22,625,000	'
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | Corporate bonds and notes	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	0	0	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | Mutual funds - bonds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	0	0	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | Other mutual funds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	0	0	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
U.S. Plans | Level 2 | Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	0	0	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
U.S. Plans | Level 3	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	0	0	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
U.S. Plans | Level 3 | Equity securities | United States	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	0	0	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
U.S. Plans | Level 3 | Mutual funds - equities | United States	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	0	0	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
U.S. Plans | Level 3 | Mutual funds - equities | International	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	0	0	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
U.S. Plans | Level 3 | U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	0	0	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
U.S. Plans | Level 3 | Corporate bonds and notes	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	0	0	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
U.S. Plans | Level 3 | Mutual funds - bonds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	0	0	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
U.S. Plans | Level 3 | Other mutual funds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	0	0	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
U.S. Plans | Level 3 | Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	0	0	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
U.S. Plans | Total	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	233,579,000	218,084,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	233,579,000	218,084,000	'
U.S. Plans | Total | Equity securities | United States	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	48,915,000	42,142,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	48,915,000	42,142,000	'
U.S. Plans | Total | Mutual funds - equities | United States	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	48,807,000	40,727,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	48,807,000	40,727,000	'
U.S. Plans | Total | Mutual funds - equities | International	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	45,475,000	42,962,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	45,475,000	42,962,000	'
U.S. Plans | Total | U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	18,787,000	22,625,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	18,787,000	22,625,000	'
U.S. Plans | Total | Corporate bonds and notes	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	8,374,000	7,539,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	8,374,000	7,539,000	'
U.S. Plans | Total | Mutual funds - bonds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	33,326,000	36,447,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	33,326,000	36,447,000	'
U.S. Plans | Total | Other mutual funds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	22,508,000	20,667,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	22,508,000	20,667,000	'
U.S. Plans | Total | Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	7,387,000	4,975,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	7,387,000	4,975,000	'
International Plans	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	950,700	1,055,700	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	926,800	1,040,400	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	923,900	1,029,400	'
Fair value of plan assets	737,600	749,600	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	6.60%	6.70%	7.40%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	6.80%	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	770,911,000	783,059,000	714,163,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	783,059,000	714,163,000	'
Employer contributions	30,258,000	29,713,000	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	770,911,000	783,059,000	714,163,000
International Plans | United Kingdom	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Pension plan assets as a percentage of international plan assets	94.00%	'	'
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for next year (as a percent)	6.80%	'	'
International Plans | International, other than UK	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Pension plan assets as a percentage of international plan assets	6.00%	'	'
International Plans | Equity securities	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	38.50%	34.50%	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Target Long-Term Allocation	37.50%	'	'
International Plans | Fixed income securities	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	42.00%	48.00%	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Target Long-Term Allocation	42.50%	'	'
International Plans | Other	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	19.20%	17.30%	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Target Long-Term Allocation	20.00%	'	'
International Plans | Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31	0.30%	0.20%	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Target Long-Term Allocation	0.00%	'	'
International Plans | Level 1	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	2,456,000	1,552,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,456,000	1,552,000	'
International Plans | Level 1 | Mutual funds - equities	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	0	0	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
International Plans | Level 1 | Mutual funds - bonds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	0	0	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
International Plans | Level 1 | Insurance contracts	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	0	0	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
International Plans | Level 1 | Real estate funds / limited partnerships	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	0	0	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
International Plans | Level 1 | Other mutual funds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	0	0	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
International Plans | Level 1 | Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	2,456,000	1,552,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,456,000	1,552,000	'
International Plans | Level 2	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	748,032,000	763,761,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	748,032,000	763,761,000	'
International Plans | Level 2 | Mutual funds - equities	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	296,980,000	269,789,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	296,980,000	269,789,000	'
International Plans | Level 2 | Mutual funds - bonds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	314,965,000	309,274,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	314,965,000	309,274,000	'
International Plans | Level 2 | Insurance contracts	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	8,797,000	66,900,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	8,797,000	66,900,000	'
International Plans | Level 2 | Real estate funds / limited partnerships	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	32,310,000	31,261,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	32,310,000	31,261,000	'
International Plans | Level 2 | Other mutual funds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	94,980,000	86,537,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	94,980,000	86,537,000	'
International Plans | Level 2 | Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	'	0	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	'	0	'
International Plans | Level 3	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	20,423,000	17,746,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	20,423,000	17,746,000	'
International Plans | Level 3 | Mutual funds - equities	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	0	0	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
International Plans | Level 3 | Mutual funds - bonds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	0	0	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
International Plans | Level 3 | Insurance contracts	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	0	0	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
International Plans | Level 3 | Real estate funds / limited partnerships	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	20,423,000	17,746,000	12,025,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	17,746,000	12,025,000	10,184,000
Employer contributions	838,000	2,535,000	5,697,000
Cash distributions received	-1,380,000	-1,270,000	-333,000
Actual return on plan assets - related to asset still held at end of year	3,219,000	4,456,000	-3,523,000
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	20,423,000	17,746,000	12,025,000
International Plans | Level 3 | Other mutual funds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	0	0	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
International Plans | Level 3 | Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	0	0	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
International Plans | Total	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	770,911,000	783,059,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	770,911,000	783,059,000	'
International Plans | Total | Mutual funds - equities	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	296,980,000	269,789,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	296,980,000	269,789,000	'
International Plans | Total | Mutual funds - bonds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	314,965,000	309,274,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	314,965,000	309,274,000	'
International Plans | Total | Insurance contracts	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	8,797,000	66,900,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	8,797,000	66,900,000	'
International Plans | Total | Real estate funds / limited partnerships	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	52,733,000	49,007,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	52,733,000	49,007,000	'
International Plans | Total | Other mutual funds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	94,980,000	86,537,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	94,980,000	86,537,000	'
International Plans | Total | Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair values of plan assets	2,456,000	1,552,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$2,456,000	$1,552,000	'

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details3

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 4) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Cumberland MD Vicinity Building Construction Employees Trust Fund

Cumberland MD Vicinity Building Construction Employees Trust Fund

New Zealand Steel Pension Fund

New Zealand Steel Pension Fund

New Zealand Steel Pension Fund

New Zealand Steel Pension Fund

New Zealand Steel Pension Fund

All other multiemployer plans

All other multiemployer plans

All other multiemployer plans

Significant multiemployer plans for which plan financial information is not publicly available outside the Company's financial statements

Significant multiemployer plans for which plan financial information is not publicly available outside the Company's financial statements

Significant multiemployer plans for which plan financial information is not publicly available outside the Company's financial statements

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

New Zealand Steel Pension Fund

New Zealand Steel Pension Fund

New Zealand Steel Pension Fund

Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum contribution to the plan in a plan year to classify it as a significant plan as a percent of total contributions (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contributions By The Company

$17,893,000

[1],[2]

$15,814,000

[1],[2]

$20,281,000

[1],[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$17,007,000

[2]

$14,905,000

[2]

$19,390,000

[2]

$886,000

[2]

$909,000

[2]

$891,000

[2]

Multi-employer Plan, Period Contributions Percentage Threshold

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

276,100,000

252,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total actuarial present value of accumulated plan benefits

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

302,400,000

283,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total contributions for all participating employers

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$13,300,000

$10,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

(In thousands) Pension ProtectionAct Zone Status ForPlan Years Ended Contributions By The CompanyFor Plan Years Ended (a) ExpirationDate ofCollective-BargainingAgreement Subject toFinancialImprovementPlan IdentificationNumberB SurchargeImposedB Pension Fund2012B 2011B 2013B 2012B 2011B Significant multiemployer plans for which plan financial information is not publicly available outside the Company's financial statements:New Zealand Steel Pension Fund018-054-531B N/AB N/AB $886B $909B $891B YesB NoB 2016Summary aggregate information for multiemployer plans which are not individually significant:All other multiemployer plans (b) 17,007B 14,905B 19,390 Total ContributionsB $17,893B $15,814B $20,281

[2]

These amounts represent either contributions for the plan year as confirmed by plan sponsors or the Company's estimates based on its fiscal year accounts payable records which will be updated as confirmation is received from plan sponsors.

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Infrastructure transaction

Losses in certain jurisdictions that the Company determined it is more likely than not that these assets will not be realized

Expiring in 2018

International operations

International operations

International operations

International operations

International operations

International operations

U.S. state

U.S. state

U.S. state

U.S. state

U.S. state

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Europe, Asia and Middle East

Europe, Asia and Middle East

Europe, Asia and Middle East

Expiring between 2013 and 2017

Expiring between 2018 and 2022

Expiring between 2023 and 2027

Expiring between 2028 and 2032

2011/2012 Restructuring Program

Pension and currency translation adjustments recorded through AOCI

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

United States

($26,855,000)

$40,411,000

$47,680,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

International

-156,477,000

-258,906,000

-6,015,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income

-183,332,000

-218,495,000

41,665,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Currently payable:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

U.S. federal

10,949,000

22,603,000

4,249,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

U.S. state

1,375,000

1,561,000

913,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

International

41,015,000

21,795,000

23,860,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total income taxes currently payable

53,339,000

45,959,000

29,022,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred U.S. federal

-17,341,000

-3,831,000

670,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred U.S. state

401,000

-843,000

503,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred international

-1,487,000

-6,034,000

19,653,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total income tax expense

34,912,000

35,251,000

49,848,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash payments for income taxes, including taxes on gain or loss from discontinued business

44,400,000

42,600,000

42,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

U.S. federal income tax rate (as a percent)

35.00%

35.00%

35.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

U.S. state income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit (as a percent)

0.50%

-0.10%

2.90%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

U.S. domestic manufacturing deductions and credits (as a percent)

2.60%

1.70%

-9.60%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Change in permanent reinvestment assertion (as a percent)

-7.20%

0.00%

0.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Difference in effective tax rates on international earnings and remittances (as a percent)

0.20%

-0.70%

-11.70%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Uncertain tax position contingencies and settlements (as a percent)

3.00%

2.50%

-18.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Changes in realization on beginning of the year deferred tax assets (as a percent)

-11.00%

-1.80%

89.10%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring charges with no realizable tax benefits (as a percent)

0.00%

-9.80%

23.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

U.S. nondeductible items (as a percent)

-1.60%

-0.70%

6.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss from disposal from the Infrastructure transaction

-40.90%

0.00%

0.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Non-deductible goodwill impairment

0.00%

-42.50%

0.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cumulative effect of change in statutory tax rates/laws (as a percent)

0.30%

0.10%

3.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other, net (as a percent)

0.10%

0.20%

-0.60%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effective income tax rate (as a percent)

-19.00%

-16.10%

119.60%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment

271,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill impairment charge

0

265,038,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Changes in realization on beginning of the year deferred tax assets

37,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expense accruals

28,550,000

38,595,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Inventories

3,592,000

2,649,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Provision for receivables

752,000

1,677,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating loss carryforwards

86,236,000

99,475,000

'

'

'

'

77,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

8,800,000

200,000

3,600,000

2,100,000

2,900,000

Foreign tax credit carryforwards

16,085,000

24,223,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital loss carryforwards

3,177,000

'

'

'

'

3,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pensions

81,564,000

104,413,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Currency adjustments

27,536,000

26,661,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unit adjustment liability

39,335,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Post-retirement benefits

1,013,000

1,160,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other

6,159,000

25,324,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred tax assets, gross

293,999,000

324,177,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Valuation allowance

-127,164,000

-126,532,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred tax assets, net

166,835,000

197,645,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Depreciation and amortization

35,378,000

99,219,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred revenue

1,764,000

2,014,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity investment in Infrastructure strategic venture

28,965,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred tax liabilities

66,107,000

101,233,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other current assets

44,315,000

45,672,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other assets

65,105,000

70,271,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other current liabilities

475,000

651,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred income taxes

8,217,000

18,880,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating loss carryforwards not subject to expiration

'

'

'

'

'

'

55,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating losses subject to expiration

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Non-cash tax expense

'

'

'

9,400,000

7,100,000

'

'

6,100,000

15,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Undistributed earnings indefinitely reinvested outside United States

815,000,000

882,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

One-time cost associated with repatriation of undistributed earnings indefinitely reinvested outside United States

159,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reduction in income tax expense due to tax holidays

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$0

$100,000

'

'

'

'

'

Income_Taxes_Details_2

Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Interest and penalties recognized	'	$3,100,000	$1,800,000	$1,000,000	'
Interest and penalties accrued	'	4,900,000	8,000,000	'	'
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	24,918,000	24,918,000	33,408,000	35,889,000	'
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	'	500,000	584,000	2,534,000	'
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	'	145,000	37,000	4,014,000	'
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	-200,000	-3,050,000	-3,987,000	-147,000	'
Statutes of limitations expirations	'	-3,348,000	-5,124,000	-8,521,000	'
Settlements	-1,500,000	-1,616,000	0	-361,000	'
Balance at the end of the period	'	17,549,000	24,918,000	33,408,000	'
Reconciliation of Deferred Income Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	-369,000	-369,000	-517,000	-738,000	'
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	'	-5,000	-8,000	-10,000	'
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	'	-4,000	2,000	-11,000	'
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	'	0	0	0	'
Statutes of limitation expirations	'	180,000	154,000	224,000	'
Settlements	'	0	0	18,000	'
Balance at the end of the period	'	-198,000	-369,000	-517,000	'
Reconciliation of Net Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	'	17,351,000	24,549,000	32,891,000	35,151,000
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)	'	495,000	576,000	2,524,000	'
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)	'	141,000	39,000	4,003,000	'
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years	'	-3,050,000	-3,987,000	-147,000	'
Statutes of limitation expirations	'	-3,168,000	-4,970,000	-8,297,000	'
Settlements	'	-1,616,000	0	-343,000	'
Balance at the end of the period	'	17,351,000	24,549,000	32,891,000	35,151,000
Decrease from closure of various foreign income tax examinations	1,400,000	'	'	'	'
Portion of UTB, expected to be recognized upon ssettlement of tax examinations and the expiration of various statutes of limitations within next twelve months	'	2,300,000	'	'	'
Foreign jurisdiction	'	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation of Net Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits related to current and prior years that created additional operating losses in a foreign jurisdiction	'	100,000	'	'	'
Decrease related to previously unrecognized tax benefits that were recognized in 2012 due to change in enacted legislation	'	$3,100,000	'	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended							1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2005	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	Environmental	Environmental	Environmental	Other	Other	Other	Sao Paulo State Revenue Authority	Sao Paulo State Revenue Authority	Other than New York State	New York County as managed by the New York Supreme Court	New York County as managed by the New York Supreme Court
				case	Minimum	Maximum	Brazilian Tax Disputes - Case 1	Brazilian Tax Disputes - Case 2	Active or In Extremis docket	Other	Active or In Extremis docket
				defendants					Other	case	Other
				claim					case		case
Commitments and Contingencies	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	'	'	'	'	$20	$25	'	$10.60	'	'	'
Accruals for environmental matters	1.2	1.9	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Charges related to environmental matters	1.7	1.2	2	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Principal Amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	3	2.5	'	'	'
Estimated claims or assessment, additional amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	$27	$8.10	'	'	'
Loss Contingency, Number of Defendants	'	'	'	90	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of pending claims	'	'	'	17,572	'	'	'	'	437	17,135	187
Loss Contingency, Claims Dismissed, Number	'	'	'	27,148	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Capital_Stock_Details

Capital Stock (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 28, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Common stock authorized (in shares)	150,000,000	'	'	'
Preferred stock authorized (in shares)	4,000,000	'	'	'
Common stock authorized, par value (in dollars per share)	$1.25	$1.25	'	'
Preferred stock authorized, par value (in dollars per share)	$1.25	'	'	'
Shares Authorized to Be Purchased [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Shares Authorized for Purchased, Beginning Balance	1,713,423	1,713,423	2,000,000	'
Additional Shares Authorized for Purchase	286,577	0	0	'
Shares Purchased	'	'	0	'
Remaining Shares Authorized for Purchase, Ending Balance	2,000,000	1,713,423	1,713,423	'
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased	'	'	'	2,000,000
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights Agreement	'	'	'	'
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of rights distributed for each share of common stock outstanding	1	'	'	'
Minimum percentage of common stock to be acquired to trigger exercise of rights	15.00%	'	'	'
Number of securities called by rights (in shares)	0.01	'	'	'
Exercise price of warrant or right (in dollars per share)	230	'	'	'
Multiplier of exercise price of right to determine common share purchase rights	2	'	'	'
Redemption price per right (in dollars per share)	$0.00	'	'	'
Number of business days following the acquisition of stock after which rights become exercisable	'10 days	'	'	'
Preferred stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of rights (in shares)	806,789	805,846	'	'
Treasury Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Shares Authorized to Be Purchased [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Shares Purchased	0	0	286,577	'

Capital_Stock_Details_2

Capital Stock (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	2,000,000	1,713,423	1,713,423	2,000,000
Stock options exercised, net 157,058 shares, 38,900 shares and 20,000 shares in 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively	$400	$710	$2,319	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	20,000	38,900	199,032	'
Common Stock	'	'	'	'
Shares outstanding at the beginning of the period	112,198,693	112,063,938	111,931,267	111,611,102
Treasury Stock, Number of Shares Held	31,519,768	31,479,310	31,454,097	31,097,043
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	80,678,925	80,584,628	80,477,170	80,514,059
Vested Restricted Stock Units (in shares)	25,215	45,898	121,133	'
Stock issued during period, stock appreciation rights	2,713	'	'	'
Other Stock Grants (in shares)	86,827	47,873	'	'
Shares outstanding at the end of the period	112,198,693	112,063,938	111,931,267	111,611,102
Treasury Stock, Number of Shares Held	31,519,768	31,479,310	31,454,097	31,097,043
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	80,678,925	80,584,628	80,477,170	80,514,059
Treasury shares purchased	'	'	0	'
Reconciliation of the average shares of common stock used to compute basic earnings per common share to the shares used to compute diluted earnings per common share	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders (in dollars)	($226,449)	($253,693)	($9,447)	'
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	80,755,000	80,632,000	80,736,000	'
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation (in shares)	0	0	0	'
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share, attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	($2.80)	($3.15)	($0.12)	'
Diluted (in dollars per share)	($2.80)	($3.15)	($0.12)	'
Treasury Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	0	0	41,974	'
Common Stock	'	'	'	'
Vested Restricted Stock Units (in shares)	9,358	14,677	28,503	'
Stock issued during period, stock appreciation rights	521	'	'	'
Other Stock Grants (in shares)	30,579	10,536	'	'
Treasury shares purchased	0	0	286,577	'
Outstanding Shares	'	'	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	20,000	38,900	157,058	'
Common Stock	'	'	'	'
Vested Restricted Stock Units (in shares)	15,857	31,221	92,630	'
Stock issued during period, stock appreciation rights	2,192	'	'	'
Other Stock Grants (in shares)	56,248	37,337	'	'
Treasury shares purchased	'	'	286,577	'

Capital_Stock_Details_3

Capital Stock (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restricted stock units	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities	'	'	'
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	265	148	64
Stock options	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities	'	'	'
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	286	389	755
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities	'	'	'
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	1,078	530	0
Other stock-based compensation units	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities	'	'	'
Number of securities not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	101	317	554

StockBased_Compensation_Restri

Stock-Based Compensation (Restricted Stock) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	31-May-12	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Restricted stock units	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Granted (in shares)	'	'	216,869	172,104	37,442	'	'	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	'	'	$20.62	$19.23	$29.61	'	'	'
Expense (Income)	'	'	$1,976,000	$1,420,000	$1,850,000	'	'	'
Restricted stock unit activity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in shares)	'	'	141,473	62,641	140,535	'	'	'
Granted (in shares)	'	'	216,869	172,104	37,442	'	'	'
Vested restricted Stock Units (in shares)	'	'	-69,955	-67,861	-113,136	'	'	'
Forfeited (in shares)	'	'	-74,546	-25,411	-2,200	'	'	'
Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares)	'	'	213,841	141,473	62,641	'	'	'
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	'	'	$19.19	$25.39	$30.83	'	'	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	'	'	$20.62	$19.23	$29.61	'	'	'
Vested (in dollars per share)	'	'	$20.54	$24.86	$33.55	'	'	'
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	'	'	$22.61	$20.35	$25.15	'	'	'
Nonvested at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	'	'	$19.95	$19.19	$25.39	'	'	'
Additional disclosures	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	'	'	2,800,000	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, period of recognition	'	'	'2 years	'	'	'	'	'
1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum number of shares authorized for issuance	'	'	600,000	'	'	'	'	'
Number of shares available for grant	'	'	143,903	'	'	'	'	'
1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan | Restricted stock units	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Vesting period (in years)	'	'	'1 year	'	'	'	'	'
Granted (in shares)	'	'	46,287	30,618	20,192	16,000	'	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	'	'	$20.60	$21.44	$34.79	$30.99	'	'
Restricted stock unit activity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Granted (in shares)	'	'	46,287	30,618	20,192	16,000	'	'
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	'	'	$20.60	$21.44	$34.79	$30.99	'	'
1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan | Restricted stock units | 2010	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expense (Income)	'	'	0	0	165,000	'	'	'
1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan | Restricted stock units | 2011	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expense (Income)	'	'	0	234,000	468,000	'	'	'
1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan | Restricted stock units | 2012	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expense (Income)	'	'	255,000	402,000	0	'	'	'
1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan | Restricted stock units | 2013	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expense (Income)	'	'	636,000	0	0	'	'	'
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum number of shares authorized for issuance	'	'	6,800,000	'	'	'	'	'
Number of shares available for grant	'	'	6,019,212	'	'	'	'	'
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan | Restricted stock units	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Vesting period (in years)	'3 years	'3 years	'3 years	'	'	'	'	'
Retirement age of employees (in years)	'62 years	'62 years	'62 years	'	'	'	'	'
Granted (in shares)	'	'	170,582	141,486	17,250	26,000	121,625	130,950
Granted (in dollars per share)	'	'	$20.63	$18.75	$23.55	$23.78	$25.98	$45.95
Restricted stock unit activity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Granted (in shares)	'	'	170,582	141,486	17,250	26,000	121,625	130,950
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	'	'	$20.63	$18.75	$23.55	$23.78	$25.98	$45.95
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan | Restricted stock units | 2008	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expense (Income)	'	'	0	0	68,000	'	'	'
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan | Restricted stock units | 2009	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expense (Income)	'	'	0	43,000	626,000	'	'	'
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan | Restricted stock units | 2010	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expense (Income)	'	'	0	21,000	383,000	'	'	'
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan | Restricted stock units | 2011	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expense (Income)	'	'	69,000	195,000	140,000	'	'	'
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan | Restricted stock units | 2012	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expense (Income)	'	'	383,000	525,000	0	'	'	'
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan | Restricted stock units | 2013	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expense (Income)	'	'	$633,000	$0	$0	'	'	'

StockBased_Compensation_Stock_

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Options) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Shares Under Option	'		'		'		'
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	273,672		328,000		661,840		273,672
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	'		'		'		617,500
Exercised (in shares)	'		-20,000		-38,900		-199,032
Expired (in shares)	'		'		-294,940		-30,300
Forfeited/Expired (in shares)	'		-79,000		'		'
Outstanding, at the end of the period (in shares)	'		229,000		328,000		661,840
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'		'		'		'
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$16.46		$30.67		$30.22		$16.46
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	'		'		'		$31.75
Exercised (in dollars per share)	'		$16.96		$18.23		$15.95
Expired (in dollars per share)	'		'		$31.29		$30.92
Cancelled/Expired (in dollars per share)	'		$31		'		'
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	'		$31.75		$30.67		$30.22
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'		'		'		'
Intrinsic value, Outstanding at the beginning of the period	$3,300,000	[1]	$200,000	[1]	$200,000	[1]	$3,300,000	[1]
Intrinsic value, Outstanding at the end of the period	'		0	[1]	200,000	[1]	200,000	[1]
Number of options granted (in shares)	617,500		'		'		'
Fair value (in dollars per share)	$10.90		'		'		'
Fair value assumptions	'		'		'		'
Proceeds from stock options exercised	'		371,000		725,000		2,403,000
Intrinsic value of options exercised	'		100,000		100,000		2,200,000
Shares Under Option	'		'		'		'
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	'		304,000		'		'
Vested (in shares)	'		-80,000		'		'
Forfeited (in shares)	'		-75,000		'		'
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	'		149,000		304,000		'
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value	'		'		'		'
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	'		$10.90		'		'
Vested - Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollar per share)	'		$10.90		'		'
Forfeited - Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollar per share)	'		$10.90		'		'
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	'		$10.90		$10.90		'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'		'4 years 36 days		'		'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'		'4 years 36 days		'		'
Stock options	'		'		'		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Vesting period (in years)	'3 years		'3 years		'		'
Expiration period (in years)	'7 years		'		'		'
Fair value assumptions	'		'		'		'
Dividend yield (as a percent)	2.50%		'		'		'
Volatility (as a percent)	40.60%		'		'		'
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	0.60%		'		'		'
Expected life	'7 years		'		'		'
Recognized stock-based compensation expense	'		200,000		0		2,000,000
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	'		$100,000		'		'
Stock options | Maximum	'		'		'		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Expiration period (in years)	'		'7 years		'		'
[1]	Intrinsic value is defined as the difference between the current market value and the exercise price, for those options where the market price exceeds the exercise price.

StockBased_Compensation_Stock_1

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Options - Range of Exercise Prices) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life In Years	'4 years 36 days
Range of Exercisable Prices $31.75 - $31.75	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of Exercisable Prices, low end of range (in dollars per share)	31.75
Range of Exercisable Prices, high end of range (in dollars per share)	31.75
Options Outstanding, Vested	80,000
Options Outstanding, Unvested (in shares)	149,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	31.75
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life In Years	'4 years 1 month 6 days
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable	80,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	31.75

StockBased_Compensation_Stock_2

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Appreciation Rights) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended						12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	31-May-13	Sep. 30, 2012	31-May-12	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Options vested, outstanding (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	121,953	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Appreciation Rights, Exercise Price Range, Number Of Unvested Shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	839,505	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	$22.20	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms	'	'	'	'	'	'	'9 years 1 month 6 days	'	'
Number of exercisable options (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	121,953	'	'
Weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	$21.65	'	'
$19.65 - $22.70	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Options vested, outstanding (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	77,576	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Appreciation Rights, Exercise Price Range, Number Of Unvested Shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	783,239	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	$21.98	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms	'	'	'	'	'	'	'9 years 1 month 6 days	'	'
Number of exercisable options (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	77,576	'	'
Weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	$20.47	'	'
$23.03 - $26.22	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Options vested, outstanding (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	44,377	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Appreciation Rights, Exercise Price Range, Number Of Unvested Shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	56,266	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	$24.07	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms	'	'	'	'	'	'	'8 years 6 months	'	'
Number of exercisable options (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	44,377	'	'
Weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	$23.73	'	'
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Granted (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	923,832	'	'
Fair value assumptions	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	1.91%	1.41%	1.17%	1.00%	1.18%	1.56%	'	'	'
Dividend yield (as a percent)	3.13%	3.56%	3.61%	3.80%	4.20%	3.50%	'	'	'
Expected life	'6 years 6 months	'6 years 6 months	'6 years 6 months	'6 years 6 months	'6 years 6 months	'6 years 6 months	'	'	'
Volatility (as a percent)	43.80%	44.10%	44.10%	44.30%	44.00%	43.90%	'	'	'
SAR grant price	$26.22	$23.03	$22.70	$21.37	$19.65	$23.73	'	'	'
Fair value of SAR award (in dollars per share)	$8.60	$7.07	$6.86	$6.20	$4.77	$6.10	$22.76	'	'
Number of Shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	525,287	0	'
Granted (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	923,832	707,012	'
Exercised (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	-11,037	'	'
Forfeited/expired (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-181,725	'
Forfeited (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	-476,624	'	'
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	961,458	525,287	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of period	'	'	'	'	'	'	$21.23	$0	'
Granted	'	'	'	'	'	'	$22.76	$21.23	'
Exercised	'	'	'	'	'	'	$19.65	'	'
Forfeited/expired	'	'	'	'	'	'	$22.28	$21.23	'
Outstanding at end of period	'	'	'	'	'	'	$22.20	$21.23	'
Outstanding - Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'	'	'	'	'	'	$5.60	$1.20	$0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercised	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.1	'	'
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms	'	'	'	'	'	'	'8 years 6 months	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.8	'	'
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	$4.80	'	'
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, period of recognition	'	'	'	'	'	'	'4 years 73 days	'	'
Unvested stock appreciation rights	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	525,287	'	'
Granted (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	923,832	'	'
Vested stock appreciation rights (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	-121,953	'	'
Exercised stock appreciation rights (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	-11,037	'	'
Forfeited stock appreciation rights (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	-476,624	'	'
Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	839,505	525,287	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	$21.23	'	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	$8.60	$7.07	$6.86	$6.20	$4.77	$6.10	$22.76	'	'
Vested (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	$21.65	'	'
Exercised (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	$19.65	'	'
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	$22.28	'	'
Nonvested at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	$22.27	$21.23	'
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | Minimum	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Vesting period (in years)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'1 year	'	'
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | $19.65 - $22.70	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercisable Prices, low end of range (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	$19,650	'	'
Range of Exercisable Prices, high end of range (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	$22,700	'	'
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | $23.03 - $26.22	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercisable Prices, low end of range (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	$23,030	'	'
Range of Exercisable Prices, high end of range (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	$26,220	'	'
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Granted (in shares)	'	'	'	43,058	345,502	318,452	'	'	'
Unvested stock appreciation rights	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Granted (in shares)	'	'	'	43,058	345,502	318,452	'	'	'
2013 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expiration period (in years)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'10 years	'	'
Granted (in shares)	15,000	5,018	903,814	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unvested stock appreciation rights	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Granted (in shares)	15,000	5,018	903,814	'	'	'	'	'	'
2013 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | Maximum	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Vesting period (in years)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'5 years	'	'

StockBased_Compensation_Other_

Stock-Based Compensation (Other Stock Grants) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	($100,000)	$0	($1,100,000)
Other stock grants	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of shares issued	'	4,000	'
Recognized stock-based compensation expense	'	$1,000,000	'
Other stock grants | Interim Chief Executive Officer	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of shares issued	'	43,873	'

Financial_Instruments_Details

Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	Minimum	Stand by letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees	Stand by letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees	Stand by letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees	Stand by letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees	Environmental indemnification for properties sold to third party in 2007	Environmental indemnification for property from a lease terminated in 2006
	Country			Minimum	Maximum	Maximum
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contingent liability outstanding	'	$216.30	$208.80	'	'	'	'
Guarantee term	'	'	'	'	'4 years	'20 years	'
Fees paid to various banks and insurance companies on face amount of instruments (as a percent)	'	'	'	0.32%	2.55%	'	'
Number of countries in which entity has currency exposures	35	'	'	'	'	'	'
Potential amount of future payments for guarantees, maximum	'	'	'	'	'	'	$3

Financial_Instruments_Details_

Financial Instruments (Details 2) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts

Cross currency interest rate swaps

Cross currency interest rate swaps

Cross currency interest rate swaps

Cross currency interest rate swaps

Minimum

Maximum

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts

Other current assets

Other current liabilities

Other assets

Other assets

Other liabilities

Other liabilities

Other current assets

Other current assets

Other current liabilities

Other current liabilities

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative, Fair Value, Net

($100,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Period over which gains and losses are reclassified to earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'15 years

'

'

'

'

Asset Derivatives - Fair Value

'

26,041,000

40,000

'

26,001,000

39,058,000

'

'

'

'

1,216,000

853,000

'

'

Liability Derivatives - Fair Value

'

$13,427,000

'

$17,000

'

'

$13,410,000

$14,346,000

'

'

'

'

$3,267,000

$1,775,000

Financial_Instruments_Details_1

Financial Instruments (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) on Derivative - Effective Portion	$2,457	($4,900)	$8,117
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion	-8	270	83
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	-12,067	-13,384	7,642
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) on Derivative - Effective Portion	48	-152	887
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	-6	0	0
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Cost of services and products sold	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion	-8	270	83
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net [Abstract]	'	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative for the Twelve Months Ended December 31	-10,463	-3,529	7,238	[1]
Cross currency interest rate swaps	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) on Derivative - Effective Portion	2,409	-4,748	7,230
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion	0	0	0
Cross currency interest rate swaps | Cost of services and products sold	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	($12,061)	($13,384)	$7,642	[2]
[1]	These gains (losses) offset amounts recognized in cost of service and products sold principally as a result of intercompany or third-party foreign currency exposures.
[2]	These gains (losses) offset foreign currency fluctuation effects on the debt principal.

Financial_Instruments_Details_2

Financial Instruments (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pre-tax net gains and losses on certain loans designated as hedges of net investments in foreign subsidiaries	($9,800,000)	($5,300,000)	$6,300,000
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	541,850,000	434,095,000	'
Recognized Gain (Loss)	-2,028,000	-923,000	'
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Affiliated Entity [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	121,200,000	'	'
Recognized Gain (Loss)	700,000	'	'
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Short [Member] | British pounds sterling	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	26,931,000	0	'
Recognized Gain (Loss)	-277,000	0	'
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Short [Member] | Euros	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	248,943,000	264,234,000	'
Recognized Gain (Loss)	-335,000	-1,082,000	'
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Short [Member] | Other currencies	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	12,708,000	2,811,000	'
Recognized Gain (Loss)	-134,000	-15,000	'
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Long [Member] | British pounds sterling	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	1,976,000	6,141,000	'
Recognized Gain (Loss)	15,000	58,000	'
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Long [Member] | Euros	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	242,385,000	116,618,000	'
Recognized Gain (Loss)	-1,335,000	187,000	'
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Long [Member] | Other currencies	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	8,907,000	44,291,000	'
Recognized Gain (Loss)	38,000	-71,000	'
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Maturing 2018	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	250,000,000	'	'
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Maturing 2020	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	220,000,000	'	'
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Maturing 2013 through 2017	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
U.S. Dollar Equivalent	$10,200,000	'	'

Financial_Instruments_Details_3

Financial Instruments (Details 5) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, Level 2, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets - Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$1,256	$853
Assets - Cross-currency interest rate swaps	26,001	39,058
Liabilities - Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	3,284	1,775
Liabilities - Cross-currency interest rate swaps	$13,410	$14,346

Financial_Instruments_Details_4

Financial Instruments (Details 6) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
			Unit adjustment liability
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	'	'	$0
Recognition of unit adjustment liability	'	'	107,500,000
Payments	'	'	-2,123,000
Change in fair value to unit adjustment liability	'	'	966,000
Balance at end of year	'	'	106,343,000
Fair value of long-term debt	832,600,000	1,000,000,000	'
Carrying value of long-term debt	$803,415,000	$960,706,000	'

Information_by_Segment_and_Geo2

Information by Segment and Geographic Area (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 15, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

segment

Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment

Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment

Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment

Harsco Infrastructure [Member]

Harsco Rail [Member]

Harsco Rail [Member]

Harsco Rail [Member]

Harsco Industrial [Member]

Harsco Industrial [Member]

Harsco Industrial [Member]

ArcelorMittal

ArcelorMittal

ArcelorMittal

Harsco Infrastructure [Member]

Harsco Infrastructure [Member]

Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member]

2011/2012 Restructuring Program

2011/2012 Restructuring Program

2011/2012 Restructuring Program

2011/2012 Restructuring Program

2011/2012 Restructuring Program

2011/2012 Restructuring Program

Customer

Customer

Customer

Customer

Customer

Customer

Customer

Customer

Customer

Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment

Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment

Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment

Harsco Infrastructure [Member]

Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment

Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment

Harsco Infrastructure [Member]

Harsco Infrastructure [Member]

Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of reportable segments

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of entity-wide revenue from major customers

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$268,600,000

$283,300,000

$361,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of major customers

'

'

'

2

2

2

'

2

1

2

1,000

1

1,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of contracts whose loss could have material impact, minimum

'

'

'

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment

271,296,000

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30,000,000

241,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill impairment charge

0

265,038,000

0

'

0

'

265,038,000

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pre-tax restructuring charges

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$95,000,000

$101,000,000

$5,500,000

[1]

$12,800,000

[1]

$88,600,000

[1]

$87,600,000

[1]

Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

29.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

{F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOmYwMzE0Y2Q0ZmNiYjQxM2M4NDcyNjBkY2I3M2ExMjZjfFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246OUVENzg1NTY2RTkwNTMwQUJENDhFM0I5QTQzNTE4QjcM}

Information_by_Segment_and_Geo3

Information by Segment and Geographic Area (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers	$2,896,520	$3,046,018	$3,302,740
Net Property, Plant and Equipment	711,346	1,266,225	1,274,484
United States	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers	1,021,770	1,108,051	1,087,454
Net Property, Plant and Equipment	147,820	242,890	276,966
United Kingdom	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers	353,915	331,894	398,222
China	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net Property, Plant and Equipment	86,822	55,656	21,700
All Other	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers	1,520,835	1,606,073	1,817,064
Net Property, Plant and Equipment	$476,704	$967,679	$975,818

Information_by_Segment_and_Geo4

Information by Segment and Geographic Area (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	$2,896,520	$3,046,018	$3,302,740
Operating Income (Loss)	-134,799	-174,790	87,649
Total Assets	2,441,748	2,975,969	3,338,877
Depreciation and Amortization	237,041	272,117	310,441
Capital Expenditures	246,147	265,023	313,101
Interest income	2,087	3,676	2,751
Interest expense	-49,654	-47,381	-48,735
Change in fair value to unit adjustment liability	966	0	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity income	-183,332	-218,495	41,665
Segment operating income	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Operating Income (Loss)	-105,627	-166,895	93,440
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	1,359,004	1,404,103	1,588,302
Operating Income (Loss)	80,801	85,523	109,593
Total Assets	1,595,221	1,561,973	1,537,538
Depreciation and Amortization	158,837	163,137	183,784
Capital Expenditures	173,179	189,358	212,009
Harsco Infrastructure [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	885,377	937,293	1,108,293
Operating Income (Loss)	-275,762	-368,657	-125,555
Total Assets	456,323	1,018,979	1,371,143
Depreciation and Amortization	58,449	89,814	107,621
Capital Expenditures	62,889	63,137	88,456
Harsco Rail [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	286,167	352,036	300,029
Operating Income (Loss)	28,299	56,079	58,746
Total Assets	159,774	188,348	213,410
Depreciation and Amortization	10,362	10,116	10,133
Capital Expenditures	3,502	4,133	4,497
Harsco Industrial [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	365,972	352,586	306,116
Operating Income (Loss)	61,035	60,160	50,656
Total Assets	83,189	81,035	80,784
Depreciation and Amortization	3,329	3,098	2,805
Capital Expenditures	3,936	3,669	4,938
General Corporate	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Operating Income (Loss)	-29,172	-7,895	-5,791
Total Assets	147,241	125,634	136,002
Depreciation and Amortization	6,064	5,952	6,098
Capital Expenditures	$2,641	$4,726	$3,201

Information_by_Segment_and_Geo5

Information by Segment and Geographic Area (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Consolidated Revenues	$2,896,520	$3,046,018	$3,302,740
Outsourced, on-site services to steel mills and other metals producers and resource recovery technologies for the re-use of industrial waste stream by-products	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Consolidated Revenues	1,292,511	1,333,248	1,518,902
Engineered scaffolding, concrete forming and shoring, and other access-related services, rentals and sales	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Consolidated Revenues	885,377	937,293	1,108,293
Railway track maintenance services and equipment	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Consolidated Revenues	286,167	352,036	300,029
Air-cooled heat exchangers	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Consolidated Revenues	180,738	175,896	142,960
Industrial grating products	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Consolidated Revenues	142,355	136,157	113,388
Industrial abrasives and roofing granules	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Consolidated Revenues	66,493	70,855	69,399
Heat transfer products	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Consolidated Revenues	$42,879	$40,533	$49,769

Other_Expenses_Details

Other Expenses (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net gains	($4,657,000)	($5,848,000)	($6,162,000)
Contingent consideration adjustments	0	0	3,966,000
Employee termination benefit costs	3,928,000	31,158,000	36,174,000
Costs to exit activities	5,382,000	38,626,000	10,007,000
Currency translation adjustments recognized in earnings	'	10,900,000	'
Product line rationalization	'	24,966,000	66,063,000
Impaired asset write-downs	9,688,000	7,152,000	0
Other (income) expense, miscellaneous	769,000	-2,278,000	624,000
Other (income) expenses	15,110,000	93,776,000	102,740,000
Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net gains	-1,043,000	-2,449,000	-1,666,000
Employee termination benefit costs	3,561,000	8,082,000	18,533,000
Costs to exit activities	2,705,000	3,627,000	1,313,000
Impaired asset write-downs	689,000	7,152,000	0
Harsco Infrastructure [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net gains	-2,864,000	-2,198,000	-3,607,000
Employee termination benefit costs	-326,000	17,291,000	16,546,000
Costs to exit activities	-254,000	34,820,000	8,694,000
Impaired asset write-downs	'	0	0
Harsco Industrial [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net gains	-750,000	-1,089,000	-889,000
Employee termination benefit costs	115,000	418,000	423,000
Harsco Rail [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Employee termination benefit costs	235,000	245,000	296,000
Impaired asset write-downs	8,999,000	'	'
Corporate	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net gains	0	-112,000	0
Employee termination benefit costs	343,000	5,122,000	376,000
Costs to exit activities	$2,931,000	$179,000	$0

Components_of_Accumulated_Othe2

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]	'		'	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	($411,168)		'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	16,824		'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (excluding amounts in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction)	19,847		'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction (See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions)	4,184		'	'
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	40,855		-46,538	-178,480
Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	302		'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	40,553		'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	-370,615		-411,168	'
Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments	'		'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]	'		'	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	62,308		'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-39,848	[1]	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (excluding amounts in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction)	0		'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction (See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions)	-15,979		'	'
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-55,827		'	'
Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	371		'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	-56,198		'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	6,110		'	'
Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments	'		'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]	'		'	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	-8,139		'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	1,060	[2]	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (excluding amounts in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction)	8		'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction (See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions)	-21		'	'
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	1,047		'	'
Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-69		'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	1,116		'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	-7,023		'	'
Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations	'		'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]	'		'	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	-465,286		'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	55,581	[3]	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (excluding amounts in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction)	19,839		'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction (See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions)	20,184		'	'
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	95,604		'	'
Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0		'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	95,604		'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	-369,682		'	'
Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities	'		'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]	'		'	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	-51		'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	31		'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (excluding amounts in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction)	0		'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the asset impairment loss recognized in the Infrastructure transaction (See Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions)	0		'	'
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	31		'	'
Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0		'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Harsco Corporation	31		'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	($20)		'	'
[1]	Principally foreign currency fluctuation.
[2]	Net change from periodic revaluations.
[3]	Principally changes due to annual actuarial remeasurements.

Components_of_Accumulated_Othe3

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]	'		'	'
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$481,052		$503,339	$535,679
Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs	291,372		0	0
Total costs and expenses	3,031,319		3,220,808	3,215,091
Income tax expense (benefit)	34,912		35,251	49,848
Net Loss	218,188		254,101	9,556
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations	'		'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]	'		'	'
Total costs and expenses	22,082		'	'
Income tax expense (benefit)	-2,243	[1]	'	'
Net Loss	19,839		'	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Amortization of Actuarial Losses	'		'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]	'		'	'
Selling, general and administrative expenses	12,435	[2]	'	'
Cost of services and products sold	9,064	[2]	'	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Amortization of Prior Service Costs	'		'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]	'		'	'
Selling, general and administrative expenses	298	[2]	'	'
Cost of services and products sold	285	[2]	'	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments	'		'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]	'		'	'
Cost of services and products sold	11		'	'
Income tax expense (benefit)	-3	[1]	'	'
Net Loss	8		'	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Harsco Infrastructure [Member] | Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member] | Cumulative Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustments	'		'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]	'		'	'
Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs	-15,979		'	'
Income tax expense (benefit)	0		'	'
Net Loss	-15,979		'	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Harsco Infrastructure [Member] | Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member] | Cumulative Unrecognized Actuarial Losses on Pension Obligations	'		'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]	'		'	'
Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs	20,184		'	'
Income tax expense (benefit)	0		'	'
Net Loss	20,184		'	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Harsco Infrastructure [Member] | Infrastructure Transaction Strategic Venture [Member] | Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments	'		'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]	'		'	'
Loss on disposal of Harsco Infrastructure Segment and transaction costs	-34		'	'
Income tax expense (benefit)	13		'	'
Net Loss	($21)		'	'
[1]	Amounts in parentheses indicate credits to profit/loss.
[2]	These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic pension costs. Please refer to Note 10, Employee Benefit Plans, for additional details.

Restructuring_Programs_Details

Restructuring Programs (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Non-cash product rationalization expense	'		$24,966,000		$66,063,000
Proceeds from sales of assets	18,984,000		49,779,000		42,653,000
2011/2012 Restructuring Program	'		'		'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'		'		'
Pre-tax restructuring charges	'		95,000,000		101,000,000
Overall cost savings in 2012	63,000,000		'		'
Increase (Decrease) Of Effect On Earnings Amount	8,000,000		'		'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Accrual Beginning Balance	23,005,000		'		'
Non-Cash Charges / Adjustments	-2,035,000		'		'
Cash Payments	-13,154,000		'		'
Foreign Currency Translation	-325,000		'		'
Restructuring reserve, transfer between segments	0		'		'
Adjustments to Previously Recorded Restructuring Charges	-2,404,000		'		'
Remaining Accrual Ending Balance	5,087,000		23,005,000		'
2011/2012 Restructuring Program | Cost to exit activities	'		'		'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining	3,300,000		'		'
2011/2012 Restructuring Program | Harsco Infrastructure [Member]	'		'		'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'		'		'
Pre-tax restructuring charges	'		88,600,000	[1]	87,600,000	[1]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Accrual Beginning Balance	15,999,000	[2]	'		'
Non-Cash Charges / Adjustments	-1,691,000	[2]	'		'
Cash Payments	-8,356,000	[2]	'		'
Foreign Currency Translation	-300,000	[2]	'		'
Restructuring reserve, transfer between segments	-3,248,000	[2]	'		'
Adjustments to Previously Recorded Restructuring Charges	-2,404,000	[2]	'		'
Remaining Accrual Ending Balance	0	[2]	15,999,000	[2]	'
Non-cash product rationalization expense	0		'		'
2011/2012 Restructuring Program | Harsco Infrastructure [Member] | Employee termination benefit costs	'		'		'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Accrual Beginning Balance	6,999,000		'		'
Non-Cash Charges / Adjustments	-1,000,000		'		'
Cash Payments	-5,087,000		'		'
Foreign Currency Translation	-245,000		'		'
Restructuring reserve, transfer between segments	0		'		'
Adjustments to Previously Recorded Restructuring Charges	-667,000		'		'
Remaining Accrual Ending Balance	0		'		'
2011/2012 Restructuring Program | Harsco Infrastructure [Member] | Cost to exit activities	'		'		'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Accrual Beginning Balance	9,000,000		'		'
Non-Cash Charges / Adjustments	-691,000		'		'
Cash Payments	-3,269,000		'		'
Foreign Currency Translation	-55,000		'		'
Restructuring reserve, transfer between segments	-3,248,000		'		'
Adjustments to Previously Recorded Restructuring Charges	-1,737,000		'		'
Remaining Accrual Ending Balance	0		'		'
2011/2012 Restructuring Program | Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment	'		'		'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'		'		'
Pre-tax restructuring charges	'		5,500,000	[1]	12,800,000	[1]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Accrual Beginning Balance	6,993,000	[2]	'		'
Non-Cash Charges / Adjustments	-346,000	[2]	'		'
Cash Payments	-4,721,000	[2]	'		'
Foreign Currency Translation	-25,000	[2]	'		'
Restructuring reserve, transfer between segments	0	[2]	'		'
Adjustments to Previously Recorded Restructuring Charges	0	[2]	'		'
Remaining Accrual Ending Balance	1,901,000	[2]	6,993,000	[2]	'
2011/2012 Restructuring Program | Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment | Employee termination benefit costs	'		'		'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Accrual Beginning Balance	6,494,000		'		'
Non-Cash Charges / Adjustments	-139,000		'		'
Cash Payments	-4,516,000		'		'
Foreign Currency Translation	-33,000		'		'
Restructuring reserve, transfer between segments	0		'		'
Adjustments to Previously Recorded Restructuring Charges	0		'		'
Remaining Accrual Ending Balance	1,806,000		'		'
2011/2012 Restructuring Program | Harsco Metals & Minerals Segment | Cost to exit activities	'		'		'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Accrual Beginning Balance	499,000		'		'
Non-Cash Charges / Adjustments	-207,000		'		'
Cash Payments	-205,000		'		'
Foreign Currency Translation	8,000		'		'
Restructuring reserve, transfer between segments	0		'		'
Adjustments to Previously Recorded Restructuring Charges	0		'		'
Remaining Accrual Ending Balance	95,000		'		'
2011/2012 Restructuring Program | Harsco Corporate	'		'		'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Accrual Beginning Balance	13,000	[2]	'		'
Non-Cash Charges / Adjustments	2,000	[2]	'		'
Cash Payments	-77,000	[2]	'		'
Foreign Currency Translation	0	[2]	'		'
Restructuring reserve, transfer between segments	3,248,000	[2]	'		'
Adjustments to Previously Recorded Restructuring Charges	0	[2]	'		'
Remaining Accrual Ending Balance	3,186,000	[2]	'		'
2011/2012 Restructuring Program | Harsco Corporate | Employee termination benefit costs	'		'		'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Accrual Beginning Balance	13,000		'		'
Non-Cash Charges / Adjustments	2,000		'		'
Cash Payments	-15,000		'		'
Foreign Currency Translation	0		'		'
Restructuring reserve, transfer between segments	0		'		'
Adjustments to Previously Recorded Restructuring Charges	0		'		'
Remaining Accrual Ending Balance	0		'		'
2011/2012 Restructuring Program | Harsco Corporate | Cost to exit activities	'		'		'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Accrual Beginning Balance	0		'		'
Non-Cash Charges / Adjustments	0		'		'
Cash Payments	-62,000		'		'
Foreign Currency Translation	0		'		'
Adjustments to Previously Recorded Restructuring Charges	0		'		'
Remaining Accrual Ending Balance	3,186,000		'		'
Fourth Quarter 2010 Harsco Infrastructure Program | Harsco Infrastructure [Member]	'		'		'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Accrual Beginning Balance	6,791,000		'		'
Non-Cash Charges / Adjustments	695,000		'		'
Cash Payments	-506,000		'		'
Foreign Currency Translation	-3,000		'		'
Adjustments to Previously Recorded Restructuring Charges	-5,587,000		'		'
Remaining Accrual Ending Balance	0		'		'
Fourth Quarter 2010 Harsco Infrastructure Program | Harsco Infrastructure [Member] | Cost to exit activities	'		'		'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Accrual Beginning Balance	6,791,000		'		'
Non-Cash Charges / Adjustments	695,000		'		'
Cash Payments	-506,000		'		'
Foreign Currency Translation	-3,000		'		'
Adjustments to Previously Recorded Restructuring Charges	-5,587,000		'		'
Remaining Accrual Ending Balance	$0		'		'
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[2]	{F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOmYwMzE0Y2Q0ZmNiYjQxM2M4NDcyNjBkY2I3M2ExMjZjfFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246QUVDNzlCRkRCNkM3NUQ0OTk0MjVCRkMxMEZEOUNFQ0MM}

SCHEDULE_II_VALUATION_AND_QUAL1

SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2009
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'		'		'		'
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Balance at Beginning of Period	$17,253		$17,829		$20,283		'
Charged to Cost and Expenses	10,175		11,266		7,880		'
Due to Currency Translation Adjustments	-191		166		-677		'
Other	-20,599	[1]	-12,008	[1]	-9,657	[1]	'
Balance at End of Period	6,638		17,253		17,829		'
Deferred Tax Assets - Valuation Allowance	'		'		'		'
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Balance at Beginning of Period	126,532		99,617		'		29,469
Charged to Cost and Expenses	4,164		18,552	[2]	47,575		'
Due to Currency Translation Adjustments	-5,769		3,449		-312		'
Other	2,237		4,914	[3]	22,885		'
Balance at End of Period	$127,164		$126,532		$99,617		$29,469
[1]	Includes principally the utilization of previously reserved amounts.
[2]	.
[3]	Includes principally a valuation allowance recorded on other comprehensive income (loss) activity related to U.K. pension.